Senate Leader Highlights Key Reforms in Electoral Act 2026

The Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, on Sunday outlined sweeping reforms introduced in the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026, describing the legislation as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bamidele said the new law provides for the creation of a dedicated fund for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance the commission’s financial autonomy and ensure early release of election funds for better planning and logistics. According to him, the Act makes electronic transmission of election results mandatory, requiring INEC to transmit polling unit results electronically to improve transparency and reduce manipulation. The law also compels the commission to deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) or any other approved technological device for voter accreditation during elections. The Senate leader further disclosed that the new legislation establishes an electronic register of voters and mandates all political parties to maintain a digital membership register. Parties are required to submit their updated membership registers to INEC ahead of primaries and conventions, a move aimed at strengthening internal democracy and curbing irregularities in candidate nomination processes. Bamidele noted that the Act prescribes stricter penalties for electoral misconduct. Under the new provisions, any Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) who deliberately withholds vital electoral documents risks a two-year jail term. The law also reviews campaign spending limits for various elective offices. He explained that the National Assembly harmonised the different versions of the Electoral Bill 2026 passed by both chambers, particularly on contentious clauses, before transmitting it to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent. The swift passage and transmission, he said, were necessary to avoid constitutional complications that could affect preparations for the 2027 polls.