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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday 18 February 2026 at the State House in Abuja, signed the 2026 Electoral Act Amendment Bill into law.
Aside the contentious issue of electronic transmission of election results, the bill introduces some fundamental changes that bode profound positive tidings for the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
Below is a simplified list of these changes:
Abolition of indirect party primaries (aka Delegate System): Gone now are the days of delegates being corruptly induced with packs of dollar notes by candidates. With only direct primaries and consensus being valid, power is now solidly in the hands of the rank-and-file party members, and only grassroots popularity will matter henceforth.
Acceptable documents for voter registration are now birth certificate/ international passport/ National Identification Number(NIN): By removing the driver’s license and national ID card, it simplifies verification, improves data integrity and speeds up the registration process.
Audited Reports by Political Parties: The Act imposes a ₦10 million fine on any party that fails to submit accurate audited returns within the stipulated period.
Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS): This is now the compulsory method for voter accreditation. It officially replaces older methods that were prone to interference and manipulation.
Dedicated fund for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC): This guarantees its functional stability, management continuity, and financial autonomy.
Downloadable Voter’s Card: There is no longer need to queue for hours, days or weeks just to collect your physical Voter’s Card. Just download it directly from the website of INEC.
Fine for illegal buying or selling of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) increased to ₦5 million plus 2 years imprisonment: This will seriously discourage the fraudulent practice and enhance the integrity of our electoral process.
“Notice of Election” window is now 180 days: This streamlines election administration and reduces costs.
Submission of candidate lists is now 90 days before a general election: This also streamlines election administration and reduces the hitherto long periods of pre-election political tension.
Timeline for publication of candidates lists by INEC reduced from 150 days to 60: This goes hand in hand with the reduced timing for notice of election and submission of candidates.
