Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has today officially signed the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026 into law. This landmark legislation marks a significant milestone in the administration’s commitment to delivering more transparent, credible, and technologically advanced elections for all Nigerians.
The signing ceremony, held at the State House in Abuja, follows extensive deliberations and harmonization between the Senate and the House of Representatives. The new Act introduces critical reforms designed to address historical gaps in the electoral process and integrate modern innovations ahead of future polls.
The Electoral Act 2026:
- Formalizes the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) as the sole mandatory method for voter accreditation, officially replacing older technologies.
- Streamlines election administration by adjusting the “Notice of Election” window to 180 days and requiring the submission of candidate lists 90 days before a general election.
- Increases the fine for the illegal buying or selling of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to ₦5 million, maintaining a strict two-year imprisonment term for offenders.
- Grants the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the authority to prescribe the specific manner for the transfer of results and accreditation data, ensuring operational flexibility in areas with varying infrastructure.
Speaking at the signing, President Tinubu emphasized that this reform is a “gift to the nation,” underscoring his administration’s resolve to protect the sanctity of the ballot box. He noted that the Act provides a robust legal framework that empowers INEC to conduct its duties without ambiguity or interference.
“By assenting to this Bill, we are reinforcing the foundations of our democracy,” the President stated. “We are ensuring that the voice of every Nigerian is not only heard but accurately recorded and protected by the law.”
The 2026 Act also maintains the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) as the mandatory identification for voting, rejecting proposals for electronically generated IDs to preserve the integrity of the voter register.
With this development, the Federal Government calls on all stakeholders including political parties, civil society organizations, and the electorate to familiarize themselves with the new provisions as the nation prepares for its next chapter of democratic engagement.
