President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday signed the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) into law, just days after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the timetable for the 2027 general elections.
The signing ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja around 5:00 p.m., with principal officers of the National Assembly in attendance. The amendment bill had been passed by the National Assembly a day earlier.
The development has reignited national debate over the electronic transmission of election results — a key issue in Nigeria’s electoral process in recent years.
Debate Over Electronic Transmission
Civil society organisations and opposition figures have consistently advocated for real-time electronic transmission of results directly from polling units to INEC’s central server. They argue that such a system would enhance transparency, reduce manipulation, and strengthen the credibility of elections.
Last week, protesters reportedly gathered at the National Assembly complex, demanding live electronic transmission of results. The call follows controversies surrounding the 2023 general elections, when INEC’s Results Viewing Portal experienced technical challenges, leading to allegations and disputes over the credibility of the process.
While the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed support for technology-driven reforms, some stakeholders have recommended a phased or hybrid approach. They argue that regions with limited telecommunications infrastructure may require manual collation systems where electronic transmission is not feasible.
2027 Election Timetable
INEC has scheduled the 2027 general elections as follows:
February 20, 2027 – Presidential and National Assembly elections
March 6, 2027 – Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections
With the amendment now signed into law, attention is expected to shift toward its implementation and how it will shape preparations for the upcoming electoral cycle.
Further details are anticipated as INEC and other stakeholders provide clarification on operational guidelines under the amended law.
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