2026 Electoral Act: We engaged AGF, INEC, CSOs, devt partners for two years before enactment — NASS
Naija News • Feb 23
Electoral Act 2026: A New Dawn for Nigeria's Democracy?
Imagine a Nigeria where election rigging is a thing of the past, where the will of the people is truly reflected in the outcome of elections, and where our democracy is strengthened by a more inclusive and transparent process. This is the promise of the newly signed Electoral Act 2026, a law that has been in the making for two years, with the National Assembly engaging key stakeholders, including the Attorney-General of the Federation, INEC, Civil Society Organizations, and development partners.
One of the key reforms introduced by the Electoral Act 2026 is the creation of a dedicated fund for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. This fund will enable INEC to conduct elections without relying on the government for funding, thereby ensuring that the electoral process is not politicized. In a country where elections are often marred by controversy and allegations of rigging, this reform is seen as a major step towards strengthening our democracy.
Another significant reform introduced by the Electoral Act 2026 is the mandatory electronic transmission of election results. This means that election results will no longer be manually collated and transmitted, but will be electronically transmitted in real-time, ensuring that the outcome of elections is transparent and verifiable. This reform is expected to reduce the risk of election rigging and ensure that the will of the people is truly reflected in the outcome of elections.
The Electoral Act 2026 also introduces a new requirement for political parties to maintain a digital membership register. This will enable INEC to verify the authenticity of party members and ensure that only genuine party members are accredited during elections. This reform is seen as a major step towards reducing the risk of fake party members being used to rig elections.
The creation of the Electoral Act 2026 is a testament to the National Assembly's commitment to strengthening our democracy and ensuring that the will of the people is truly reflected in the outcome of elections. As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of democracy, this law is a major step in the right direction. It is a reminder that our democracy is a work in progress, and that we must continue to work together to strengthen it and ensure that it serves the interests of all Nigerians.