Experts seek stronger enforcement as Nigeria Amends Electoral Act
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s governance and civic space have said the amended Electoral Act 2026 introduces reforms capable of strengthening the country’s democratic process. They, however, warned that the success of
Stakeholders in Nigeria's governance and civic space have said the amended Electoral Act 2026 introduces reforms capable of strengthening the country's democratic process.
They, however, warned that the success of the law will depend largely on effective enforcement, stronger institutional collaboration and sustained civic engagement.
The position was reached during the maiden edition of the Sectorial Reflection Series on Policy and Laws organised by the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) in partnership with Legis360.
The forum brought together civil society organisations, governance experts and media professionals to examine key provisions of the amended Electoral Act and assess their implications for democratic governance in Nigeria.
Participants reviewed several provisions of the amended law, including voter registration requirements, the introduction of downloadable Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), electoral offences, revised electoral timelines, party regulation and campaign financing.
In a communiqué signed by PAACA's Executive Director, Ezenwa Nwagwu, participants said the requirement for identification documents such as birth certificates, passports or National Identification Numbers (NIN) during voter registration could strengthen the integrity and accuracy of the voter register.
However, they cautioned that the measure could inadvertently exclude citizens in rural and underserved communities who may not possess such documents.
The stakeholders expressed optimism that the amended Electoral Act provides an opportunity to improve Nigeria's electoral system but warned that legislative reforms alone would not guarantee credible elections.
According to the communiqué, participants called for consistent enforcement of the law, stronger collaboration among electoral institutions and greater public awareness of the new reforms.
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They also emphasised the importance of robust data management systems and safeguards to protect citizens' personal information.
Participants welcomed the introduction of a downloadable PVC as a backup to the physical voter card, describing it as an innovation that could potentially ease voter access during elections.
However, they stressed that clear operational guidelines and deliberate efforts to ensure digital inclusion would be necessary so that the new system does not create additional barriers for voters with limited access to technology.
On electoral offences, participants observed that the amended Act prescribes stricter penalties, including fines of not less than N5 million and possible imprisonment for offenders.
While this provision was considered a step forward in deterring electoral malpractice such as vote buying, stakeholders emphasised that stronger prosecutorial commitment and improved coordination among relevant agencies would be essential to ensure effective enforcement.
The dialogue also examined the revised electoral timelines introduced in the Act. The law reduces the period for issuing election notices from 360 days to 300 days and shortens the deadline for political parties to submit candidates from 180 days to 120 days before elections.
Participants noted that these adjustments could streamline election preparations if institutions strengthen their planning and operational capacity.
They also reviewed the requirement for political parties to maintain digital membership registers, describing the provision as a step toward improving transparency and accountability within party structures.
Speaking on the initiative, Nwagwu said the Sectorial Reflection Series was conceived as a continuing platform for evidence-based dialogue on Nigeria's policy and legislative development.
According to him, the platform aims to strengthen democratic governance by encouraging informed engagement among civil society, policymakers and the media.
