On February 17, the National Assembly passed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026 during an emergency session. This Act introduces significant reforms in election funding, voter registration, candidate nominations, result transmission, and party processes. Here’s a summary of the key changes:

1. Shorter Election Funding Timeline
Funds must now be released to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) six months before elections, reduced from 12 months, which may pressure logistics and voter education.

2. Revised Voter ID Requirements
Voter registration now only accepts Birth Certificates, Nigerian Passports, and National Identification Numbers (NIN). National ID cards and driver’s licenses are no longer valid.

3. Downloadable Voter Cards
Voters can download their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) directly from INEC’s website, reducing delays and costs.

4. Digital Membership Registers for Parties
Political parties must maintain digital registers of members and submit them to INEC 21 days before primaries. Only registered members can vote or contest.

5. Shortened Candidate Submission Timeline
Parties must submit candidate lists 120 days before elections, instead of 180, which may disadvantage smaller parties.

6. Recognition of Political Parties as Corporate Bodies
Political parties are now recognized as corporate bodies that can sue or be sued, enhancing accountability.

7. Earlier Publication of Candidate Lists
INEC must publish candidate lists 60 days before elections, down from 150, shortening the period for public vetting.

8. Increased Campaign Spending Limits
The Act raises allowable campaign spending for all elective positions.

9. Courts Cannot Halt Primaries or Elections
No court can stop party primaries or elections, with disputes resolved only after the election.

10. Direct Primaries Replace Delegate Voting
Nominations must occur through direct primaries or consensus, ending delegate voting.

11. Harder to Defect Before Primaries
Politicians switching parties shortly before elections may not be eligible to contest unless already registered.

12. Severe Penalties for Vote-Buying
Section 22 criminalizes vote trading and PVC fraud, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.

Bottom Line The Electoral Act 2026 enforces stricter compliance rules and harsher penalties to enhance transparency and reduce electoral manipulation. Political parties and electoral bodies must quickly adapt to these new