INEC Officials Face Jail Time Under New Electoral Act

The National Assembly has unveiled significant reforms in the newly enacted 2026 Electoral Act, which includes a provision for a two-year jail term for officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who withhold essential electoral documents. Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, speaking in Abuja, emphasized the importance of these reforms in strengthening Nigeria's electoral integrity as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The act also establishes a dedicated fund to guarantee the financial autonomy of INEC, ensuring stable operations. Key provisions include the mandatory electronic transmission of election results and a requirement for INEC to release certified true copies of requested documents within 24 hours.

The act aims to address administrative bottlenecks and enhance transparency in the electoral process, with penalties for non-compliance. The legislative process, described as painstaking, involved extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to ensure a comprehensive electoral framework.