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Nigeria stands at another defining moment in its democratic journey. With the signing of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a new legal framework now governs how elections will be conducted in the country. Laws shape institutions, and institutions shape nations. Therefore, every Nigerian—voter, politician, civil servant, observer, and activist—must understand the implications of this new law.
Democracy does not thrive on ignorance. It thrives on knowledge, vigilance, and participation. This essay presents the ABC of the 2026 Electoral Law—what has changed, what it means, and what citizens must now demand.
A – Access to Voter Registration
The first major change concerns voter registration requirements. The new law narrows acceptable documentation to three primary forms of identification:
- Birth Certificate
- Nigerian Passport
- National Identification Number (NIN)
On the surface, simplification appears progressive. Reducing bureaucratic hurdles can expand participation. However, Nigeria must confront a key reality: millions of citizens still lack birth certificates and passports. While NIN coverage has expanded, gaps remain, particularly in rural communities.
The success of this reform will depend on accessibility. If the required documents are not easily obtainable nationwide, this provision could unintentionally disenfranchise citizens. The spirit of democracy demands inclusion, not exclusion.
B – BVAS, IReV and Downloadable Voter Cards
- Downloadable Voter Cards
For the first time, voters can download their voter cards from INEC’s website. This is a technological leap forward. It reduces dependency on physical distribution systems that have historically suffered delays and logistical inefficiencies.
However, digital accessibility must be backed by cybersecurity strength and data protection measures. A downloadable voter card system must be tamper-proof, verifiable, and secure against duplication or identity theft.
- Electronic Transmission of Results
The 2026 amendment makes electronic transmission of results to IReV compulsory. This provision addresses one of the most controversial aspects of past elections—transparency in result collation.
Real-time transmission reduces opportunities for manipulation between polling units and collation centers. However, Section 60(3) introduces a critical proviso: If network failure prevents electronic transmission, Form EC8A (physical result sheet) becomes the primary source for collation and declaration.
This clause is where vigilance must intensify. While contingency provisions are necessary in law, Nigerians must ensure that “network failure” does not become an administrative loophole.
C – Candidate Nomination and Party Primaries
The new law adopts only two methods for party candidate nomination:
- Direct primaries
- Consensus
Indirect primaries have been removed. Direct primaries theoretically deepen internal democracy by allowing all registered party members to vote. Consensus encourages negotiation and unity when genuinely agreed upon.
However, implementation remains key. Direct primaries can be expensive and logistically complex. Consensus can be abused if imposed rather than agreed upon.
D – Deadlines and Electoral Timelines
The Act also adjusts critical timelines:
- Party submission of candidates: 120 days before election (previously 180 days)
- INEC publication of final list: 60 days before election (previously 150 days)
- Election funds release to INEC: 6 months before general election (previously 12 months)
These compressed timelines raise important questions. While shorter deadlines may enhance administrative efficiency, they also reduce the window for dispute resolution, candidate substitution, and legal challenges.
E – Election Funding and Public Accountability
An estimated ₦873 billion is projected for the 2027 elections. That figure demands scrutiny. Democracy is not cheap—but it must be accountable. Citizens must:
- Follow procurement processes
- Question the cost of BVAS machines
- Examine contracts for software upgrades
- Demand clarity on IReV improvements
- Monitor training expenditures
Every kobo allocated belongs to the Nigerian people.
F – Technology and National Connectivity
The suggestion of partnering with reliable nationwide service providers, including satellite-based internet systems such as Starlink, reflects growing awareness that connectivity is central to election credibility.
If 177,000 polling units require reliable service for one week, then technical feasibility studies, cost analysis, and independent oversight should guide implementation. Technology must not be symbolic—it must be functional.
G – The Role of INEC
The law has been passed. The President has signed. The National Assembly has legislated. Now implementation rests largely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
INEC must:
- Strictly comply with the law
- Treat all political parties equally
- Guarantee voter register integrity
- Deploy logistics efficiently
- Ensure peaceful, violence-free polls
- Upload results promptly and transparently
Institutions earn trust through performance, not promises.
H – Citizens as the Ultimate Sovereign
Ultimately, sovereignty belongs to the people. Democracy is not sustained by institutions alone. It is sustained by informed citizens who question, monitor, and participate.
Citizens dissatisfied with any provision of the Electoral Act 2026 retain the constitutional right to challenge it in court. Laws are dynamic, not absolute.
I – Security and Peaceful Elections
No electoral reform succeeds without security. INEC must work closely with security agencies to guarantee:
- Violence-free polling
- Protection of election materials
- Neutral enforcement
- Prevention of voter intimidation
Peaceful elections are the foundation of national stability.
J – Transparency as the Lifeblood of Democracy
The real test of the 2026 Electoral Act lies not in its text, but in its execution. If electronic transmission works seamlessly, public confidence will grow. If funding is transparent, suspicion will reduce.
Democracy survives not by hope—but by accountability.
Conclusion: What Must Be Known
The 2026 Electoral Act represents reform—but reform is only the beginning. The ABC of this law can be summarized as:
- Access must expand participation.
- BVAS and IReV must deliver genuine transparency.
- Candidate nomination reforms must deepen internal democracy.
- Deadlines and funding must enhance efficiency without weakening preparation.
- Citizens must remain vigilant and informed.
Nigeria’s democratic evolution depends on collective responsibility. Institutions must perform. Citizens must supervise. Political actors must comply. Courts must remain impartial.
The future of Nigeria’s democracy will not be determined by the strength of the law alone—but by the strength of the people who insist that it be obeyed.
Democracy is not an event. It is a process. And the 2027 elections will test whether Nigeria has learned from its past and prepared responsibly for its future.
The time for civic awareness is now.
By Okey Goodluck Nwankwo
Ike Nibo
Emeritus Pg, Nibo Union Worldwide (2008–2014)…
