By John Umeh
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally signed the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026 into law, marking a significant update to Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of future elections.
The signing ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja at about 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, with key members of the National Assembly present to witness the event.
Swift Legislative Process
The amended bill was passed by the National Assembly a day earlier, on February 17, before being transmitted to the President for assent. Lawmakers described the revisions as necessary to strengthen electoral procedures and address challenges observed in previous polls.
Key Provision: Electronic Transmission with Safeguard
One of the most notable changes in the new law is the formal backing for electronic transmission of election results. However, the amendment also introduces a contingency clause permitting manual collation where network disruptions occur at polling units.
Supporters of the amendment say the dual approach is designed to prevent delays and disputes in areas with poor connectivity, while still encouraging technological advancement in the electoral process.
What It Means Going Forward
The updated law is expected to guide the conduct of upcoming elections and provide clearer legal backing for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in deploying technology during voting and result management.
Observers say the amendment could influence preparations for future national and off-cycle elections, particularly in improving transparency and minimizing logistical setbacks.
With presidential assent now secured, the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026 takes immediate effect
