by Abo Oyeade
It is no longer news that the Electoral Act 2026 has been signed into a law and has taken full effect, after weeks of controversies, especially the real time transmission of election results from the polling unit.
Legal experts however, believe that the new reforms will strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system through technology-based voting processes, stricter penalties for electoral offences, improved transparency in result transmission, tighter political party regulations, and clearer procedures for elections and disputes.
A copy of the revised law is now publicly available as TheWest highlights 20 outstanding points from the Electoral Act, 2026. These points capture the key reforms, procedures, penalties, and structural provisions introduced in the Act. CLCK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE 2026 ELECTORAL ACT
1. Repeal of Electoral Act 2022
The Electoral Act 2026 repeals the Electoral Act No. 13 of 2022 and replaces it as the primary law governing federal, state, and FCT Area Council elections in Nigeria.
2. INEC Remains the Central Electoral Authority
The Act formally recognizes the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the body responsible for:
- Conducting elections
- Voter education
- Managing voter registration
- Conducting referendums.
3. Creation of the INEC Fund
A dedicated Independent National Electoral Commission Fund is established to finance electoral activities.
Sources include:
- Federal Government allocations
- Investment interest
- Grants and aid.
4. Election Funds Must Be Released Early
Election funds must be released to INEC at least 6 months before a general election, ensuring timely preparation.
CLCK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE 2026 ELECTORAL ACT
5. Continuous Voter Registration
The Act mandates continuous voter registration for eligible Nigerians, except that registration must stop 90 days before an election.
6. Eligibility for Voter Registration
A person must:
- Be a Nigerian citizen
- Be 18 years or older
- Be resident or originate from the registration area
- Not be legally disqualified.
7. Use of Identification Documents
Applicants for voter registration must present one of:
- Birth certificate
- Nigerian passport
- National Identification Number (NIN).
8. Ban on Multiple Registration
Registering more than once or at multiple centers is an offence punishable by:
- Minimum ₦100,000 fine,
- Or 1 year imprisonment,
- Or both.
9. Strict Punishment for Buying or Selling Voter Cards
Selling or buying a voter card attracts:
- Minimum ₦5,000,000 fine,
- Or at least 2 years imprisonment,
- And disqualification from contesting elections for 10 years.
10. Notice of Election Must Be Given 300 Days Before
INEC must publish notice of a general election at least 300 days before the election date.
CLCK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE 2026 ELECTORAL ACT
11. Candidate Lists Must Be Submitted 120 Days Before Election
Political parties must submit their list of candidates and affidavits to INEC 120 days before the election.
12. Limited Candidate Substitution
A political party cannot replace its candidate except in cases of:
- Death
- Voluntary withdrawal.
13. Use of Technology for Voter Accreditation
Voting requires electronic accreditation using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) or other technology approved by INEC.
14. Electronic Transmission of Results
Polling unit results must be electronically transmitted to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) after signing official result forms.
CLCK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE 2026 ELECTORAL ACT
15. Paper Result Forms Remain Primary Evidence
If electronic transmission fails, the signed Form EC8A from the polling unit remains the primary legal record of results.
16. Over-Voting Leads to Cancellation
If votes cast exceed the number of accredited voters, the result in that polling unit must be cancelled.
17. Severe Penalty for Announcing False Results
Any collation or returning officer who intentionally announces false results faces at least 10 years imprisonment without option of fine.
CLCK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE 2026 ELECTORAL ACT
18. Political Party Registration Fee
Political associations seeking registration must pay ₦50,000,000 administrative fee.
19. Digital Membership Register for Political Parties
Political parties must maintain a digital membership register containing:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address
- NIN
- Polling unit information.
Only members in the register can vote or contest in party primaries.
20. INEC Can Review Election Results Within 7 Days
INEC has power to review a declared result within 7 days if it determines that the declaration was made:
- Under duress, or
- Contrary to proper procedures.
