The National Assembly of Nigeria has proposed significant amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 that could shift the country’s electoral calendar and improve the handling of post-election disputes. A key recommendation is to conduct presidential and gubernatorial elections in November 2026, six months earlier than the traditional February-March timeline. This adjustment, outlined during a public hearing by the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, aims to ensure that all electoral litigations are resolved before the May 29, 2027 swearing-in of newly elected officials. The proposed reforms also seek to amend relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution to grant the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) more flexibility in setting election dates.To fast-track legal processes, the reforms reduce tribunal judgment timelines from 180 to 90 days, and appellate court decisions to 60 days. Other proposed innovations include mandatory electronic transmission of results, early voting for electoral staff and security personnel, and alternatives to the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) to increase voter access. Penalties for electoral offences are also being tightened, with sanctions for the distribution of unstamped ballots and result sheets.Stakeholders such as INEC, civil society organizations, and journalists expressed strong support for these changes, particularly for the integration of technology and enhanced electoral transparency. INEC’s representative, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, emphasized the importance of early elections in improving logistical planning and reducing rushed transitions. If enacted, these reforms could mark a historic milestone in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, fostering a more efficient, inclusive, and transparent electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Index to Nigerian Newspapers
