The Electoral Act amendment has been urged by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who called on the National Assembly to immediately review the law to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic process. The call for Electoral Act amendment was made during a joint engagement with opposition leaders, where concerns were raised about gaps in the current electoral framework and their impact on election credibility.
Nigeria’s Electoral Act has undergone multiple revisions in recent years to address evolving challenges in the country’s electoral process. The most recent amendments were signed into law in 2026 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following deliberations by the National Assembly.
Despite these updates, political stakeholders have continued to identify areas requiring further clarification, particularly around result transmission, collation processes, and the role of technology in elections. The Electoral Act amendment debate has remained central to discussions on electoral transparency, with stakeholders advocating reforms to strengthen public trust in election outcomes.
Atiku, alongside other opposition figures, stated that immediate action by the National Assembly is necessary to address perceived inconsistencies in the current law. He emphasised that the Electoral Act amendment should clearly define procedures for result transmission and eliminate ambiguities that could affect electoral integrity. According to his position, provisions guiding electronic transmission of results should be made explicit to avoid reliance on mixed systems that combine manual and electronic processes.
The call for Electoral Act amendment was part of broader concerns expressed by opposition leaders, who argued that strengthening the legal framework is essential for ensuring credible elections. The National Assembly, which has constitutional responsibility for amending electoral laws, has previously undertaken reviews of the Act to address operational challenges identified during elections.
The renewed push for Electoral Act amendment highlights ongoing debates about the credibility and transparency of Nigeria’s electoral system. Legal clarity on result transmission and collation processes could influence how future elections are conducted and perceived.
For policymakers, the call underscores the need to continuously refine electoral laws in response to emerging challenges and technological advancements. For citizens and political stakeholders, the outcome of any amendment process may shape confidence in electoral institutions and democratic governance.
