Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026, concluding months of legislative deliberation and setting the stage for a recalibrated electoral framework ahead of future polls in Nigeria.
The legislation, passed by the National Assembly earlier this week after extensive debate in both chambers, repeals the existing 2022 Electoral Act and replaces it with a consolidated statute incorporating new amendments. Lawmakers described the process as a corrective exercise intended to address gaps identified during the implementation of the previous law, particularly in the 2023 general elections and subsequent off-cycle polls.
The repeal-and-re-enactment approach is legally significant. Rather than introducing piecemeal amendments that could create interpretational conflicts, the National Assembly opted to integrate revisions into a unified legal text. Constitutional lawyers say this method is designed to eliminate ambiguities that previously generated litigation and administrative confusion.
Among the key areas reportedly addressed in the new Act are procedures governing electronic transmission of election results, timelines for candidate nomination and substitution, internal party primaries, accreditation technology, collation processes and dispute resolution mechanisms. Although the full gazetted version of the law is awaited, parliamentary sources indicate that lawmakers sought to clarify the extent of discretion granted to the Independent National Electoral Commission and to specify operational thresholds for deploying technology during elections.
Electronic transmission of results was one of the most contentious issues during debate. The 2022 Act introduced provisions allowing technological integration in result management, but differing interpretations emerged over whether such transmission was mandatory or conditional. The 2026 re-enactment reportedly refines the language to reduce legal uncertainty and establish clearer procedural safeguards. Electoral reform advocates argue that clarity in this area is central to public trust, while critics caution that statutory wording alone cannot guarantee flawless execution without adequate infrastructure and oversight.
The new law also addresses internal party democracy. Political parties have historically faced disputes over primary elections, including allegations of irregular delegate selection and last-minute candidate substitutions. Legislators are said to have tightened compliance requirements and clarified timelines to reduce post-primary litigation. Legal practitioners note that clearer statutory deadlines may help courts adjudicate pre-election matters more efficiently.
Another area of revision concerns electoral dispute resolution. Under previous frameworks, overlapping jurisdictional questions sometimes delayed proceedings. The updated Act is expected to harmonise timelines for filing petitions and delivering judgments, in line with constitutional provisions. Analysts observe that expedited dispute resolution is essential for political stability, particularly in closely contested elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission will now be tasked with revising its operational guidelines to reflect the new statutory language. Regulatory instruments issued by the Commission must align with the updated Act to ensure consistency in implementation. Observers stress that administrative preparedness, training of electoral officials and logistical coordination will be critical to translating legislative reform into credible outcomes.
The political context surrounding the bill underscores its sensitivity. Nigeria’s electoral credibility has faced sustained scrutiny domestically and internationally, with civil society organisations, observer missions and political actors advocating deeper reforms. By assenting to the revised law, the Presidency has positioned the administration within ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional processes. However, implementation will likely determine whether the reforms meet public expectations.
Civil society groups have signalled plans to conduct a detailed review of the final text once officially published. Some organisations argue that the strength of the law will be measured not merely by technological provisions but by enforceability, transparency and sanctions for non-compliance. Electoral governance experts note that legal reform must be accompanied by adequate funding, infrastructure resilience and non-partisan enforcement.
Political parties are also expected to study the law’s implications carefully. Changes to nomination procedures, substitution rules and compliance obligations may require adjustments to internal structures and timelines. Analysts suggest that early adaptation will be crucial to avoiding disqualification disputes.
International observers will likely monitor how the revised Act aligns with global democratic standards. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous democracy, often serves as a reference point for electoral reform across the region. The 2026 re-enactment could influence comparative discussions on technological integration and statutory clarity in election management.
Despite the legislative milestone, experts caution that no legal framework can independently eliminate systemic challenges. Electoral integrity depends on institutional independence, political will, civic education and adherence to rule of law. As such, the true test of the new Act will unfold during its practical application.
With the President’s assent, the Electoral Act 2026 now forms the governing legal basis for federal and state elections. Attention shifts to regulatory implementation and stakeholder compliance as Nigeria prepares for subsequent electoral cycles.
The law’s broader significance lies not only in its textual revisions but in its potential to recalibrate public confidence in democratic processes. Whether it succeeds in that objective will depend on consistent enforcement, transparent administration and sustained institutional accountability.
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