Ex-INEC Official Warns of Risks in New Electoral Act 2026

Osaz Uzzi, a former director of voter education at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has expressed significant concerns regarding Nigeria's newly passed Electoral Act 2026. In an interview, he warned that the legislation presents operational challenges that could undermine future elections.

Uzzi highlighted a gap in the law that compresses timelines, which he believes could lead to a repeat of past electoral flaws. He criticized the heavy reliance on electronic transmission, cautioning that it exposes polling officials to technical failures.

Uzzi also expressed pessimism about public confidence in the new law, describing the speed at which the bill was signed into law as potentially hasty, given the controversies surrounding its passage. He noted that the law's implementation might not be completed within the required 24 hours and pointed out the reduction of the electoral timeline from 12 months to six months, raising questions about the rationality behind this decision.

Uzzi emphasized that the new framework poses significant operational credibility challenges for the commission.