President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s swift approval of the amended Electoral Bill has set the stage for significant changes ahead of the 2027 general elections. The 2026 Electoral Act, signed into law in record time, introduces new provisions that are expected to influence politicians, political parties, voters, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
A key feature of the Act is the conditional adoption of electronic transmission of polling unit results through the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, while retaining manual collation as a backup. The law also eliminates indirect primaries, reducing the influence of intermediaries in party nominations and aiming to curb corruption in the candidate selection process.
President Tinubu, a long-time advocate for electoral reform, stressed that the amendment reflects extensive discussions and collaboration between the Executive and Legislature. He emphasized that democracy relies on active citizen participation, robust debates, and confidence in the electoral system, whether votes are transmitted electronically or counted manually.
Despite these reforms, some stakeholders have criticized the rushed passage of the bill. Groups like the Yoruba Union argued that the clause allowing manual transmission where electronic transmission fails could open the door to manipulation. They expressed concerns that the Presidency and the National Assembly prioritized political expediency over careful scrutiny, with potential implications for the 2027 elections.
Civil society experts and former electoral officials also highlighted challenges related to network coverage, voter education, and the operational capacity of electronic systems. They warned that while technology can improve transparency, logistical and security measures remain critical to preventing disruptions and ensuring credible elections.
Supporters of the law point to its potential to reduce voter apathy, limit vote-buying, and strengthen citizen engagement. They argue that higher voter turnout and improved transparency will reinforce public trust in the electoral process. The Act’s provisions, if properly implemented, could ensure that elections are fair, inclusive, and reflect the genuine choice of Nigerians.
As Nigeria prepares for another historic poll in 2027, all stakeholders—from political parties and election officials to civil society and the electorate—have work to do to guarantee credible, transparent, and participatory elections.
