Tinubu Signs Electoral Act Amendment Ahead of 2027 Elections

On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Act 2026 amendment at the State House, Presidential Villa in Abuja, in preparation for the 2027 general elections. This amendment follows the National Assembly's passage of the revised legislation, which has sparked renewed debate over the adoption of a hybrid system for transmitting election results, combining electronic and manual methods.

The new law coincides with the recent release of the election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). INEC leadership has reaffirmed its independence and neutrality, outlining strategies to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

The amendment comes after a previous rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of results, which led to public outcry and protests. The Senate later rescinded its earlier decision following backlash from civil society groups.

The new provisions allow for manual transmission in cases of internet failure, reflecting ongoing concerns about digital infrastructure. Additionally, INEC is undergoing leadership transitions and has proposed a budget of N209 billion for technological requirements for the upcoming elections.