Senate Approves Electoral Act 2026 Amid Controversy Over E-Transmission

 

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed the third reading of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill 2026, signalling a major overhaul of the country’s electoral framework. The new law introduces revised election timelines, upgrades to voter accreditation technology, and stiffer penalties for electoral offences, while retaining key provisions of the existing legislation.

A key flashpoint during the debate was the electronic transmission of election results. Senators rejected a proposal that would have made electronic transmission mandatory, which sought to compel presiding officers to upload polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) in real time. Instead, the Senate retained the current provision, granting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) discretion over how results and accreditation data are transferred.

On voter identification, the Senate formally replaced smart card readers with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) under Clause 47. Lawmakers, however, refused the introduction of electronically generated voter identification, insisting that the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) remains the sole valid means of identification at polling units.

The bill also shortens election timelines. Notice of election, previously 360 days before a poll, is now 180 days, while the deadline for submission of candidates’ lists has been cut from 180 days to 90 days ahead of general elections.

In addressing offences involving PVCs, the Senate rejected a proposed 10-year jail term for the buying and selling of voter cards. Instead, it retained the existing two-year imprisonment, but increased fines from ₦2 million to ₦5 million.

Clause 142, which would have allowed proof of non-compliance in election petitions using only original or certified documents without oral evidence, was struck out to avoid delays in court proceedings. Similarly, procedures for ballot paper inspection under Clause 44 remain unchanged: INEC will continue to invite political parties to inspect sample materials at least 20 days before elections, giving parties two days to submit approval or objections.

With its passage, the amended Electoral Act now moves to the next legislative stage, setting the framework for future elections under modernised timelines and procedures.

If you want, I can also draft an even punchier version suitable for front-page Vanguard print, with a headline that would grab attention nationwide, like:

“Senate Reshapes Nigeria’s Electoral Landscape, Rejects Mandatory E-Transmission”

“PVC Only, BVAS Now: Senate Passes Electoral Act 2026”

“Senate Tightens Election Rules, Slashes Timelines, Boosts Penalties”