Nigerians remain divided over the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026, a week after President Bola Tinubu signed the law, with a public forum highlighting sharp disagreements on its provisions for the 2027 general elections.
The Citizens’ Townhall, broadcast live on Channels Television, centered on contentious clauses, particularly the allowance for manual result transmission if electronic systems fail. The law, which repeals the 2022 Act, mandates electronic transmission of results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal but includes a proviso permitting presiding officers to use physical forms as a backup.
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan identified inadequate network coverage as the core technical challenge, not the transmission system itself. He assured that the commission would conduct a mock presidential election to stress-test the process and stated that technical glitches would not derail the 2027 polls.
Critics argued the manual backup clause creates a loophole for manipulation. Samson Itodo of Yiaga Africa insisted electronic transmission must be the sole, real-time method. Former INEC National Commissioner Okechukwu Ibeanu noted the law contains gaps and accused the National Assembly of retreating from previous reforms. Civil society representative Ene Obi raised concerns that campaign spending limits in the Act could further exclude less financially resourced candidates.
Lawmakers also disagreed on the law’s mechanics. The chairman of the conference committee, Adebayo Balogun, affirmed Form EC8A as the primary collation document. However, Senator Victor Umeh championed the IReV portal as the game-changer, warning that allowing manual forms could enable result tampering.
On political defections, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda described recent defections to his party as fair, citing the APC’s superior organization. He denied the law advantages the ruling party.
The new law adjusts the 2027 election timetable, setting presidential and National Assembly votes for January 16, and governorship and state assembly elections for February 6. Proponents say it strengthens transparency; opponents fear discretionary powers during technical failures could undermine credibility.
The debate underscores that the law’s implementation, technical readiness, and citizen vigilance will be pivotal for the 2027 elections’ perceived legitimacy.
