President Tinubu signs electoral act.webptinubu signs electoral act.webp
The Electoral Act 2026, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on February 18, introduces sweeping reforms to Nigeria’s electoral process. Here are the most important provisions:
No More Delegate Voting in Primaries: Section 84(2) abolishes the delegate system, requiring parties to nominate candidates through direct primaries (all party members vote) or consensus. This expands participation and reduces the influence of delegate blocs often targeted with cash inducements.
Courts Cannot Stop Primaries or Elections: Section 88(4) prevents courts from halting electoral processes. Litigation filed before elections cannot stop primaries or general elections from holding, disputes are resolved after the exercise.
Parties Must Maintain Digital Membership Registers: Section 77(2) mandates every party to keep a digital register containing members’ names, NIN, photos, and polling unit details. The register must be submitted to INEC 21 days before primaries. Only registered members can vote or contest.
Stricter Rules for Defections: The 21-day register requirement makes last-minute party switching difficult. Politicians who defect shortly before primaries cannot contest unless their names are already in the new party’s submitted register, closing the loophole exploited in 2022.
Political Parties Now Corporate Bodies: Section 77(1) grants parties legal status as corporate bodies with perpetual succession, able to sue and be sued, strengthening governance and accountability.
10-Year Election Ban for Vote-Buying: Section 22 criminalizes PVC trading and vote-buying. Conviction attracts:Get The Full, Details. .
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
