The National Assembly has unveiled reforms contained in the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026, introducing mandatory electronic transmission of results, compulsory use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and digital membership registers for political parties, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral integrity ahead of next year general elections.
In a statement issued by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the legislation was the outcome of two years of extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, civil society organisations, and development partners.
Bamidele described the new law as a product of broad national consensus.
“The making of the new regime is a collective work that involves nearly all critical stakeholders,” he said, adding that inputs from partners were incorporated before the bill was transmitted for presidential assent.
The bill, he noted, was harmonised by both chambers of the National Assembly and signed into law by Bola Tinubu within 24 hours—an action aimed at averting a constitutional crisis ahead of next year’s elections.
According to Bamidele, the Electoral Act 2026 introduces major structural and technological changes, including:
Dedicated INEC Fund: Grants financial autonomy and mandates the release of election funds at least six months before polls.
Mandatory BVAS Accreditation: Requires presiding officers to use BVAS or other approved technology to verify voters.
Electronic Transmission of Results: Polling unit results must be transmitted electronically to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV), with penalties for non-compliance.
Digital Party Registers: Political parties must maintain and submit verified digital membership registers to INEC 21 days before primaries.
The Senate Leader said the law imposes stiffer sanctions to deter electoral malpractice, including:
A two-year jail term for Resident Electoral Commissioners who withhold vital election documents.
Six months’ imprisonment or a ₦500,000 fine for presiding officers who frustrate electronic transmission of results.
Up to two years’ imprisonment or fines between ₦500,000 and ₦2 million for offences such as vote buying, impersonation, and result manipulation.
A ₦10 million fine for political parties that fail to submit accurate audited returns.
Bamidele disclosed that the Act phases out indirect primaries, allowing only direct and consensus methods to expand participation and reduce delegate inducement.
He added that campaign spending limits have been significantly revised:
Presidential: ₦5 billion to ₦10 billion
Governorship: ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion
Senate: ₦100 million to ₦500 million
House of Representatives: ₦70 million to ₦250 million
On inclusivity, the lawmaker said the Act introduces measures such as queue separation where cultural norms require it and enhanced support mechanisms for visually impaired voters.
Strengthening Electoral Credibility
Bamidele stressed that the reforms are designed to boost transparency, institutional independence, and technological integration in election management.
“The Electoral Act 2026 represents a consolidation and refinement of the country’s electoral governance framework,” he said.
“It seeks to enhance electoral credibility, reduce disputes, and strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria.”
The new legal framework is expected to guide preparations for next year general elections and deepen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
