President Bola Tinubu has signed the Amended Electoral Act 2026 into law, as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
The signing, confirmed on Tuesday, follows the passage of the revised bill by the National Assembly after weeks of heated debate, particularly over provisions relating to electronic transmission of election results.
“This law represents our commitment to strengthening democracy and improving the integrity of our electoral system,” Tinubu said during the signing ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The amended legislation introduces adjustments to key sections of the existing Electoral Act, including timelines for election conduct, dispute resolution mechanisms, and clarification on the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Key Changes in the Amended Electoral Act 2026
One of the most debated aspects of the amended Electoral Act 2026 was the clause on real-time or electronic transmission of results. Lawmakers had earlier clashed over whether INEC should be mandated to upload results directly from polling units.
Following deliberations, the final version provides INEC with operational flexibility while retaining provisions that promote transparency in the collation process.
A senior legislative source told Punch that the revised framework “balances technological advancement with practical realities on the ground,” particularly in areas with limited connectivity.
The amended law also revises timelines for candidate substitution, campaign finance regulations, and legal processes for election petitions — measures analysts say are aimed at reducing post-election litigation and improving electoral efficiency.
Political Reactions and 2027 Outlook
Political stakeholders have responded cautiously to the development. Civil society organisations described the signing of the amended Electoral Act 2026 as “a step in the right direction,” while urging strict implementation.
An election monitoring advocate said the reform “must translate into credible conduct, not just better wording on paper.”
The presidency maintains that the new legal framework will enhance public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“With this assent, we are laying the foundation for more credible, inclusive and transparent elections,” Tinubu stated.
INEC is expected to release updated operational guidelines in the coming months to align with the new provisions of the amended Electoral Act 2026.
