The House of Representatives on Thursday strongly defended the passage of the Electoral Act 2026, dismissing criticisms and insisting that the legislative process was marked by transparency, credibility, and wide-ranging consultation with the Nigerian public.
Following recent debates surrounding the bill’s provisions, the leadership of both the Senate and the House of Representatives maintained that the new legal framework is designed to cure the flaws of previous elections and restore confidence in Nigeria’s democratic journey ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Lawmakers emphasized that the Electoral Act 2026 was not rushed. Instead, it was the result of months of rigorous clause-by-clause analysis, public hearings, and technical reviews involving civil society organizations, legal experts, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“This Act is a product of national consensus,” stated a spokesperson for the National Assembly. “We have integrated technological advancements and administrative safeguards to ensure that every vote counts and that the results reflect the true will of the people.”
The National Assembly defended the formalization of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the electronic transmission of results, arguing these measures are essential to eliminating manual manipulation
Lawmakers highlighted new provisions that expand voting access, including rights for inmates in correctional centers and better facilities for voters with disabilities.
NASS addressed concerns regarding voter identification, clarifying that while the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) remains central, the law now allows for alternative verified IDs such as the National Identification Number (NIN), to ensure no eligible citizen is disenfranchised by administrative delays.
The Act introduces “a system of consequences,” with stiff fines and imprisonment for electoral officers or individuals involved in distributing unstamped ballot papers or falsifying results.
In response to political opposition, the National Assembly leadership urged stakeholders to focus on the long-term stability of the nation rather than partisan grievances. They described those attacking the credibility of the process as “bad losers” who are uncomfortable with the increased difficulty of bypassing a more automated and transparent system.
The National Assembly remains committed to oversight and ensuring that INEC is fully funded and prepared to implement these landmark reforms effectively.
