House Proposes Amendments for Electoral Act 2026

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives proposed amendments to the Electoral Act 2026, enabling governorship and National Assembly election petitions to be finalized at the Appeal Court. This initiative is part of broader electoral reforms aimed at introducing technology-driven services to streamline the electoral petition process.

Key amendments include the requirement for candidates to provide physical and electronic contact details and the recognition of multiple service modes, such as electronic transmission. The proposed changes also empower the Federal High Court to exercise original jurisdiction over pre-election matters, while the Appeal Court will handle presidential pre-election disputes.

The amendments seek to clarify jurisdictional boundaries, reduce delays, and discourage frivolous objections, thereby improving the efficiency of electoral dispute resolution. The House noted that these reforms align with international best practices and are crucial for enhancing the credibility of Nigeria's electoral system.