President Bola Tinubu has officially assented to the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026, ushering in a revised legal framework that will regulate Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The signing concludes months of rigorous deliberations within the National Assembly, where lawmakers reviewed contentious provisions of the country’s electoral laws in a bid to refine and modernize the system.
After extensive debates in both chambers, a harmonized version of the bill was transmitted to the President for final approval.
One of the most debated aspects of the legislation centered on the transmission of election results. The newly enacted law upholds electronic transmission from polling units as the primary method for submitting results.
However, it also provides for manual documentation as a contingency measure in situations where technological glitches or connectivity issues arise.
Another notable amendment addresses the timeline for issuing election notices. Lawmakers shortened the mandatory notice period to ensure that future elections do not clash with sensitive national or religious observances, including Ramadan.
The adjustment is aimed at preventing avoidable scheduling conflicts and minimizing operational hurdles.
The Senate’s approval of the bill generated mixed reactions from stakeholders, including civil society organisations and former electoral officials.
While some welcomed the updates as necessary improvements, others expressed reservations about whether the reforms fully align with public expectations for greater transparency and innovation in Nigeria’s electoral system.
With presidential assent now secured, the revised Electoral Act becomes the governing statute for electoral activities in the run-up to 2027.
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The updated law is expected to shape preparations, logistics, and oversight mechanisms as the country gears up for its next general elections.