In a move that has sparked intense debate across Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has signed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law, ushering in a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the nation’s democratic processes. Yet, amid the clamor, many Nigerians seem fixated on just one aspect: the provisions around electronic transmission of results, which now mandate uploads to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) but allow a manual fallback in cases of network failure. Critics argue this creates potential loopholes, but in the heat of these discussions, we’ve overlooked a treasure trove of other progressive changes that could transform how elections are conducted. It’s easy to get caught up in the controversy—after all, past elections have been marred by allegations of rigging and delays—but let’s pause, take a breath, and unpack the full picture. These amendments aren’t just tweaks; they’re steps toward a more transparent, inclusive, and accountable system. As someone who’s followed Nigerian politics closely, I believe it’s time we shift from knee-jerk reactions to thoughtful analysis. Here’s a deeper dive into the vital provisions that deserve our attention.
1. BVAS Becomes the Cornerstone of Voter Accreditation
Imagine showing up at a polling unit, only to face arbitrary decisions on whether your vote counts. That’s a relic of the past now. The amended Act makes the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) mandatory as the sole method for verifying voters at polling units. No more room for “administrative discretion” that could lead to disenfranchisement or manipulation. BVAS, which combines fingerprint and facial recognition, has already proven its worth in off-cycle elections by reducing incidents of multiple voting and identity fraud. By enshrining it in law, the Act ensures every voter is authenticated electronically, making the process faster, fairer, and less prone to human error. This isn’t just about technology—it’s about restoring faith in the ballot box. In a country where voter turnout hovers around 30-40%, tools like BVAS could encourage more participation by guaranteeing that your identity, and thus your voice, is protected.
2. Farewell to Delegate-Driven Primaries: Empowering Party Members and Curbing Money Politics
One of the most game-changing reforms targets the heart of political selection: party primaries. Gone are the days of delegate-based systems, where a handful of “super delegates” could be swayed by cash envelopes or promises of patronage. The new law scraps indirect primaries entirely, mandating that political parties use either direct primaries—where all registered members vote—or consensus. If no agreement is reached through consensus, a full party-wide election must be held, giving every card-carrying member a say in choosing candidates.
This shift is a direct blow to money politics. Remember the scandals in previous primaries, where delegates were reportedly “bought” for millions of naira? Governors and party bigwigs could no longer hoard influence by controlling delegate lists. Now, the power tilts toward the grassroots, potentially making parties more democratic and representative. Sure, governors might gain leverage in state assembly selections through consensus, but overall, this levels the playing field. Party conventions will now serve as grand announcements of these democratically chosen candidates, turning what was often a shadowy process into a more open spectacle. It’s progress we can celebrate—delegates who once cashed in on primaries might “go hungry” this season, but Nigeria’s democracy will be richer for it.
3. Bolstering INEC’s Independence: Timely Funding to Prevent Sabotage
Independence isn’t just a buzzword for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); it’s now backed by concrete financial safeguards. The amendment requires that funds for elections be disbursed to INEC at least six months before the polls—down from the previous 12 months, but still ensuring ample preparation time without last-minute withholding by the federal government. This change addresses a long-standing vulnerability: in the past, delayed funding has hampered logistics, from printing ballots to deploying staff, sometimes fueling suspicions of deliberate undercutting.
With this provision, INEC can plan with certainty, procuring materials and training personnel without the shadow of budgetary gamesmanship. It’s a subtle but powerful reform that reinforces the commission’s autonomy, allowing it to focus on delivering credible elections rather than scrambling for resources. In a nation where trust in institutions is fragile, this could be the glue that holds our electoral integrity together.
4. Tougher Stance on Electoral Crimes: Automatic Safeguards and Harsher Penalties
Elections in Nigeria have too often resembled a free-for-all, with ballot stuffing, violence, and result tampering going lightly punished. The new Act changes that by ramping up penalties for electoral offenses, making it clear that it’s no longer “business as usual.” Fines and jail terms have been increased, deterring would-be riggers from the outset. More intriguingly, the law introduces automatic mechanisms for accountability: if the number of votes cast at a polling unit exceeds the registered voters, the entire results from that unit are nullified—no debates, no appeals.
This zero-tolerance approach could prevent the kind of over-voting that plagued previous cycles, ensuring outcomes reflect genuine voter will. Think of it as an in-built firewall against fraud, complemented by the mandatory use of BVAS for accreditation. While enforcement will depend on vigilant security agencies and judiciary, these provisions signal a commitment to cleaner polls, potentially reducing post-election litigation that clogs our courts.
In the end, these reforms paint a picture of evolution, not revolution. We’ve missed these gems because our emotions got the better of us, zeroing in on the electronic transmission clause that didn’t fully align with some expectations. But progress isn’t always perfect—it’s incremental. We must learn to dissect policies beyond the headlines, evaluating them on merit rather than the personality behind them. Hating the “face” of reform risks throwing out the baby with the bathwater.
At this critical moment, I urge government agencies, media houses, and civil society to step up public enlightenment efforts. Where information vacuums exist, rumors and crises fill the void. Let’s flood the airwaves, social media, and community halls with facts about this Act. Only then can we harness its potential to build a stronger democracy for 2027 and beyond. After all, an informed citizenry is the best guardian of progress.
Tunji Ajibade, a broadcast journalist and social/literary analyst writes from Ibadan via talogaju22@gmail.com , 08038562076
