The House of Representatives has approved a series of key amendments to the Electoral Act as part of a broader effort to enhance Nigeria’s electoral system, empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and restore public trust in future elections.
Lawmakers made the decision on Wednesday, December 17, during a plenary session chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
The House engaged in a detailed clause-by-clause review of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and endorsed several provisions designed to clarify procedures and strengthen transparency.
Clauses 3, 5, and 6—addressing preliminary sections and key definitions—were amended to align the legislation with current electoral realities.
Contributing to the discussion, Kaduna lawmaker Fatima Balarabe noted, “It is critical that our legal definitions reflect contemporary realities to avoid ambiguities that can undermine electoral processes.”
The lawmakers also adopted changes to Clauses 10 and 12, expanding INEC’s authority over election logistics, operations, and deployment of personnel.
“INEC must have the legal backing to deploy its staff and resources efficiently, without interference, to ensure smooth conduct of elections,” Kalu said.
To improve voter inclusion and integrity, Clauses 18 and 22 were revised to enhance the process of voter registration and maintenance of the voters’ register.
Balarabe explained, “No eligible voter should be disenfranchised due to errors in the register. These provisions will help protect every citizen’s right to vote.”
Amendments to Clauses 23 and 29 now provide clearer rules for political party nominations, while Clauses 31, 32, and 34 outline procedures for party primaries and publication of candidate details to curb pre-election conflicts.
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Recognising technology’s growing role in elections, the House amended Clauses 47, 50, and 54 to give INEC legal coverage to deploy electronic systems for accreditation, voting, and result transmission.
“Technology must support our elections. These clauses give INEC the legal backing to deploy electronic systems confidently,” Kalu said.
Clauses 64 and 65 were updated to impose stricter penalties for electoral offences, including vote-buying, an issue lawmakers described as critical to sustaining voter confidence.
Kano legislator Aisha Mohammed emphasised, “Streamlining legal processes and ensuring strict penalties is key to deterring electoral malpractice.”
Clauses 71, 73, and 74, which address post-election petitions and timelines, were also amended to hasten the resolution of election disputes, reducing the likelihood of prolonged litigation.
The House deferred consideration of Section 51, which was not part of the committee’s report, to a later date. Kalu explained, “Under our rules, it cannot be taken at this session.”
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Speaker reaffirmed the commitment of the legislature to a fair and credible electoral system.
“These amendments are steps toward strengthening our democracy and ensuring the people’s will is respected,” he said.
The review comes after lessons learned from the 2023 general elections, which revealed gaps in the Electoral Act 2022, particularly regarding INEC’s operational capacity, voter registration accuracy, and result transmission processes.
The updated law aims to close these loopholes, ensure accountability, and deliver elections that truly reflect the will of Nigerians.