Transparency, Technology & Tougher Sanctions: Nigeria’s New Election Blueprint
An Election Law for a New Cycle
WITH the 2027 general election looming, Nigeria’s lawmakers have moved to recalibrate the country’s electoral architecture through the Electoral Act 2026. The National Assembly describes the legislation as a product of rigorous consultation and consensus-building across institutional lines.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the law represents a collective effort involving INEC, civil society, and executive actors. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the bill swiftly after harmonisation between both chambers.
The urgency, lawmakers argue, was necessary to eliminate legal ambiguities before electoral preparations intensify.
Securing Independence and Accountability
Central to the reforms is guaranteed financial autonomy for the Independent National Electoral Commission. By mandating early release of funds, the Act seeks to stabilise election planning and prevent operational delays.
Moreover, the law empowers INEC to review results declared under questionable circumstances, potentially reducing the frequency of protracted litigation.
In a significant safeguard, court-certified judgments declaring winners can now substitute for certificates of return if INEC fails to act — strengthening judicial oversight.
Digital Democracy and Result Transparency
Mandatory deployment of BVAS underscores a firm commitment to technological integration. By institutionalising electronic accreditation and result transmission, the Act attempts to close loopholes associated with manual collation.
While fallback provisions exist for verified technical failures, the emphasis on digital uploads signals a decisive shift toward transparency.
Observers say the credibility of the reform hinges on reliable infrastructure and enforcement. Technology alone cannot cure systemic weaknesses, but it can narrow opportunities for manipulation.
Reshaping Party Politics
The abolition of indirect primaries marks one of the Act’s most politically sensitive reforms. Direct and consensus primaries are now the only permissible routes to nomination.
Coupled with mandatory digital membership registers, the changes aim to deepen internal democracy and limit opaque delegate systems often criticised for fostering corruption.
However, party insiders caution that consensus primaries could still be manipulated unless clearly regulated.
The Money Question
Revised campaign spending caps reflect economic realities but raise fresh concerns. Doubling presidential limits to ₦10 billion may accommodate inflationary pressures, yet enforcement will determine whether the provision promotes fairness or widens inequalities.
The Act’s tougher sanctions for electoral offences suggest a legislative intent to deter malpractice. But past experience indicates that prosecution and conviction rates remain critical metrics.
Looking Ahead
The Electoral Act 2026 positions Nigeria at a crossroads. It promises greater transparency, stronger institutions, and enhanced accountability. Yet the true measure of reform will emerge only during implementation.
As political actors recalibrate strategies under the new regime, the law sets the stage for what could be Nigeria’s most technologically structured election cycle yet. Whether it delivers trust and legitimacy remains the ultimate test.
