Tinubu Signs Amended Electoral Act 2026 Ahead of 2027 General Elections

President Bola Tinubu has signed into law the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2026, introducing major updates to Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development comes shortly after the National Assembly passed the harmonised version of the bill on Tuesday, following extended deliberations and intense debates among lawmakers. The process involved reconciling differences between the Senate and the House of Representatives, particularly on provisions relating to the transmission of election results.
Under the amended law, electronic transmission of results from polling units is retained as the primary method. However, the legislation also provides for manual collation as a fallback option in the event of technical challenges such as network failures. The provision had sparked controversy during the legislative process, with opposition figures and civil society organisations pushing for mandatory real-time electronic uploads to enhance transparency and curb manipulation.
A former official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mike Igini, had earlier urged the president to withhold assent, warning that some aspects of the bill could undermine democratic gains.
The new law also introduces adjustments to the election timetable notice period, granting INEC greater flexibility in scheduling polls, including provisions to accommodate overlapping religious observances such as Ramadan.
Further details on the full scope of the amendments and their immediate implications for INEC’s preparations are expected once the official gazette is released. The development follows months of legislative efforts aimed at improving the credibility and efficiency of Nigeria’s electoral process, with reactions from political parties, civil society groups, and international observers anticipated in the coming days.