CSOs Critique 2026 Electoral Act for Flaws and Risks

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have expressed significant concerns regarding the 2026 Electoral Act, stating it undermines electoral integrity and entrenches incumbency advantage, thereby excluding millions of Nigerians from political participation. During a press conference in Abuja, Mr. Jake Epel, founder of TAF Africa, highlighted the flaws in the Act, which was passed by the National Assembly and received presidential assent, formally repealing the 2022 Electoral Act.

Epel emphasized the troubling legislative process, noting that the final version of the bill contained last-minute amendments that were neither published nor made available to the public prior to adoption. This lack of transparency raises serious concerns about legislative accountability and the integrity of electoral reforms.

Epel pointed out that the rushed consolidation of the bill without public scrutiny erodes public confidence in the electoral process, especially at a time when trust in electoral systems is fragile. Despite acknowledging the introduction of a provision allowing Nigerians to download voter cards from INEC's website, CSOs maintain that the Act contains significant flaws that will ultimately undermine electoral integrity.