Presidential, Governorship Campaign Spending Limits Doubled in 2026 Electoral Act

In a significant move aimed at modernising Nigeria’s electoral framework, the National Assembly has approved a major increase in campaign spending limits for all levels of elections ahead of the 2027 general polls.
Under the newly signed Electoral Act 2026, presidential candidates can now spend up to N10 billion, double the previous N5 billion ceiling, while governorship aspirants have their spending limit raised to N3 billion from N1 billion. The Senate spending cap has increased from N100 million to N500 million, and the House of Representatives limit now stands at N250 million. State Assembly candidates can spend up to N100 million, up from N30 million. Area council chairmanship candidates are permitted N60 million, while councillorship aspirants now have a ceiling of N10 million.
The harmonised bill, which was passed by both chambers of the National Assembly on February 17 and transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent, was signed into law within 24 hours, marking the end of a two-year consultative process involving key stakeholders including INEC, civil society groups, and development partners.
Speaking on the reforms, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele noted that the increases reflect prevailing economic realities and rising campaign costs, while maintaining statutory limits to regulate election financing.
Stricter Penalties for Electoral Offences
The Electoral Act 2026 also introduces tougher sanctions for electoral misconduct. Section 125 prescribes two years’ imprisonment or fines between N500,000 and N2 million, or both, for vote buying, impersonation, and result manipulation. Presiding officers who frustrate the electronic transmission of election results now face six months imprisonment or a fine of N500,000, or both, under Section 60.
Additionally, the Act mandates the compulsory use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the electronic transmission of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to enhance transparency. Certified true copies of court orders can now be used for swearing-in candidates where INEC fails to issue certificates of return, and resident electoral commissioners are required to release certified documents within 24 hours after payment, under penalty of a minimum of two years imprisonment.
Bamidele emphasised that the new law is a collective work, incorporating inputs from government agencies, civil society, and development partners, designed to enhance electoral credibility, reduce disputes, and strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria.