Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has outlined seven major changes introduced in the newly signed Electoral Act 2026, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026.
In a statement issued after the signing, the Kogi Central lawmaker highlighted key reforms she said Nigerians must take note of ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“As President Tinubu signs the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into Law, citizens should note the following 7 major changes,” she stated.
1. Narrowed Voter Registration Requirements
According to the senator, the documents required for voter registration have been streamlined.
“Documents required for voter registration are narrowed to 3: a birth certificate, a Nigerian passport and a National Identification Number (NIN),” she explained.
2. Downloadable Voter Card
She disclosed that voters will now have digital access to their voter cards.
“Voters can download their voter card from INEC’s website,” she said.
3. Compulsory Electronic Transmission of Results
On election result management, Akpoti-Uduaghan said electronic transmission has now been made mandatory.
“Electronic transmission to IReV is compulsory. However, if it fails, the physical result sheet (EC8A) becomes the primary source of collation and results declaration,” she noted.
While acknowledging improvements in the Act, the senator expressed reservations about this particular provision.
“Except for the proviso in Section 60 (3) which holds that upon network failure inhibiting electronic transmission; form EC8A becomes the primary mode of collation and result transmission. I’ll say the other amendments are fine,” she stated.
4. New Mode of Party Primaries
The lawmaker further revealed that the new Act limits how political parties can nominate candidates.
“The new bill adopts direct primaries and consensus as the only methods for political parties to nominate candidates,” she said.
5. Revised Timeline for INEC Funding
She also highlighted changes in election funding timelines.
“Election funds must be released to INEC at least 6 months before the general election. Previously: 12 months,” she explained.
INEC refers to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
6. Deadline for Submission of Candidates
Political parties now have a shorter window to submit candidates’ names.
“Political parties must submit candidates 120 days before election day. Previously: 180 days,” she said.
7. Publication of Final List of Candidates
Similarly, the electoral umpire’s timeline for publishing candidates has been adjusted.
“INEC must publish candidates’ list 60 days before the election. Previously: 150 days,” she added.
Call for Vigilance Ahead of 2027
Akpoti-Uduaghan said while the National Assembly and the Presidency have fulfilled their roles, the focus must now shift to implementation.
“At this juncture, the National Assembly has done its part. The Presidency too,” she stated. “Now it’s left for every citizen to channel their attention to INEC.”
She urged Nigerians to ensure that INEC:
- “Strictly complies with the law and equally treats all political parties and candidates.”
- “Deploys technology effectively for voter accreditation, result transmission, and real-time transparency.”
- “Guarantees timely logistics and efficient distribution of election materials.”
- “Protects the integrity of the voters’ register and prevents manipulation.”
- “Works closely with security agencies to ensure peaceful, violence-free polls.”
- “Promptly uploads and publish results to strengthen public trust.”
“Ultimately, Nigerians are the true government and every institution actually is accountable to the people,” she declared.
Scrutiny of 2027 Election Budget
The senator also called for public accountability regarding election funding.
“The people MUST follow the money and question every kobo of the ₦873 billion to be released for the 2027 elections,” she said.
She further urged citizens to:
“Question the quality of BVAS machines.”
“Insist on smarter softwares for BVAS and IREV systems.”
“Demand a partnership with a network provider e.g. Starlink for a sure nationwide service for the election week. Coverage over the 177,000 polling unit should cost more than ₦65 billion.”
BVAS refers to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System used by INEC for voter verification and accreditation.
Right to Legal Challenge
Concluding, Akpoti-Uduaghan reminded Nigerians that legislation is subject to judicial review.
“Lastly, laws are dynamic not absolute. They are made by men to serve mankind and can be challenged in the courts of law. Therefore citizens who are dissatisfied with any or all of the amendments can challenge the Electoral Act 2026 via a judicial action,” she said.
