Tinubu Signs Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 Swiftly

Senator Bamidele articulated the reasons behind President Bola Tinubu's swift assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026, which was signed within 24 hours of its contentious passage in the National Assembly. Bamidele, representing the Ekiti Central Senatorial District, emphasized that the bill was a product of extensive collaboration among various stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organizations, and legal experts.

He noted that the amendment aims to enhance electoral independence and transparency, particularly through provisions such as Clause 3, which establishes a special fund for INEC to ensure financial autonomy. Despite criticisms from several civil society groups regarding Clause 60, which allows for electronic transmission of election results as an option rather than a mandate, Bamidele defended the bill, stating it includes measures to reduce electoral irregularities and penalizes attempts to frustrate electronic transmission.

The bill also mandates a bimodal voter accreditation system and imposes penalties for non-compliance.