President Bola Tinubu has signed the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) into law, marking a significant development in Nigeria’s electoral framework less than a week after the release of the 2027 general election timetable.
The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday evening at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, in the presence of senior members of the National Assembly, which passed the amendment bill a day earlier.
The updated legislation is expected to shape the conduct of the 2027 general elections, scheduled for February 20 (Presidential and National Assembly) and March 6 (Governorship and State Assembly).
Electronic Transmission Debate Returns
The amendment revives national conversations about real-time electronic election result transmission.
Civil society organisations and opposition figures consistently advocate for direct electronic uploads to the INEC central server. They argue that this system boosts transparency, removes human interference, and strengthens public confidence.
Last week, protesters stormed the National Assembly complex to demand guaranteed live result transmission. They cited technical failures from the 2023 elections when the INEC Results Viewing Portal crashed.
While the All Progressives Congress (APC) supports expanded technology use, some stakeholders urge caution. These critics claim that regions with poor broadband need a hybrid model that combines electronic and manual collation.
For official updates on Nigeria’s electoral framework, visit INEC’s website: https://www.inecnigeria.org
Tinubu: Full Statement After Signing Electoral Act
After every election cycle, we owe Nigerians an honest look at what worked and what must work better. That is how serious democracies behave, and our laws must grow with experience.
Today, I signed the final amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act into law.
These amendments are not about politics. They are about process. They are about closing gaps, strengthening procedures, and providing greater clarity to those who conduct and participate in our elections.
When citizens walk into a polling unit, they must do so with confidence. When results are declared, they must be trusted. That confidence is built deliberately, and not by chance.
I sincerely thank the National Assembly for its cooperation and sense of national responsibility in bringing this process to a successful conclusion. Our responsibility remains to keep improving the system so that the people’s will is expressed clearly, peacefully, and credibly.
The work of strengthening our democracy continues, and we shall not relent.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
2027 Elections in Focus
With INEC already publishing the full timetable for the 2027 elections, political parties are expected to begin preparations for primaries and campaigns in line with statutory timelines.
Analysts say the amended law could significantly influence campaign strategies, technology deployment, and public trust ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s democratic journey, stating that the country remains committed to strengthening its institutions.
“Nigeria will flourish. We will continue to nurture this democracy in pursuit of prosperity and stability,” he said.
