With the 2027 polls in view, the newly passed the Electoral Act, 2026, has Imposed a mix of stiff penalties and institutional safeguards on the officials of the nation’s electoral umpire – the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Under the new law, Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) face a two-year jail term for obstructing access to vital electoral data.
Additionally, a new financial framework has been created to decouple INEC’s funding from the executive branch, guaranteeing total fiscal independence.
While Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele praised the Act as a landmark achievement resulting from years of legislative work, the opposition remains skeptical.
Opponents argue that the new regulations surrounding campaign funding and election timelines provide an unfair advantage to the APC, sparking a fresh debate over the impartiality of the 2026 reforms.
However, the Presidency and the APC have defended the amendments as necessary to deepen democracy and strengthen electoral integrity.
According to Bamidele, the new framework mandates INEC to deploy the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System, maintain an electronic register of voters and enforce stricter penalties for electoral offences.
Section 60(3) makes electronic transmission of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal compulsory, while Section 60(6) prescribes a six-month jail term or a N500,000 fine, or both, for any presiding officer who deliberately frustrates electronic transmission.
He clarified that the Result Viewing Portal is not a collation platform but a transparency tool, noting that electronic collation would require separate planning. Where transmission fails due to technical challenges, the law permits the use of Form EC8A as guided by INEC regulations.
To curb administrative bottlenecks, Section 74(1) requires a Resident Electoral Commissioner to release certified true copies of requested documents within 24 hours after payment, with non-compliance attracting a minimum two-year imprisonment without the option of a fine.
The Act also establishes a dedicated fund for INEC, mandating the release of election funds at least six months before polls to enhance operational independence and stability. It further strengthens penalties for vote-buying, impersonation and result manipulation, and phases out indirect primaries, retaining only direct and consensus options.
Campaign spending limits have been reviewed upward, with the presidential cap increased from N5bn to N10bn, alongside adjustments for other elective offices.
Bamidele said the reforms aim to enhance transparency, reduce disputes and reinforce democratic governance in the country.
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