By Willie Amadi
Following the signing of the ELECTORAL ACT Amendment Bill 2026 into Law by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, citizens should note the following seven major changes.
- 1. Voter registration: Documents required for voter registration are narrowed to 3 : a birth certificate, a Nigerian passport and a National Identification Number (NIN).
- 2. Downloadable voter card: Voters can download their voter card from INEC’s website.
- 3. Electronic transmission of results: Electronic transmission to IReV is compulsory.
However, if it fails, the physical result sheet (EC8A) becomes the primary source of collation and results declaration.
- 4. Mode of party primary election: The new bill adopts direct primaries and consensus as the only methods for political parties to nominate candidates.
- 5. Disbursement of funds to INEC: Election funds must be released to INEC at least 6 months before the general election. Previously: 12 months.
- 6. Deadline for submission of candidates’ list: Political parties must submit candidates 120 days before election day. Previously: 180 days
- 7. INEC’s final list of candidates; INEC must publish candidates’ list 60 days before the election. Previously: 150 days.
Except for the provisor in Section 60 (3) which holds that upon network failure inhibiting electronic transmission; form EC8A becomes the primary mode of collation and result transmission . I’ll say the other amendments are fine.
At this juncture, the National Assembly has done its part. The Presidency too.
Now its left for every citizens to channel their attention to INEC and ensure it:
■Strictly complies with the law and equally treats all political parties and candidates.
■ Deploys technology effectively for voter accreditation, result transmission, and real-time transparency.
■Guarantees timely logistics and efficient distribution of election materials.
■ Protects the integrity of the voters’ register and prevents manipulation.
■Works closely with security agencies to ensure peaceful, violence-free polls.
■ Promptly uploads and publish results to strengthen public trust.
Ultimately, Nigerians are the true government and every institution actually is accountable to the people.
The people MUST follow the money and question every kobo of the ₦873 billion to be released for the 2027 elections.
- Question the quality of BVAS machines.
- Insist on smarter softwares for BVAS and IREV systems.
- Demand a partnership with a network provider e.g. Starlink for a sure nationwide service for the election week. Coverage over the 177,000 polling unit should cost more than ₦65billion.
Lastly, laws are dynamic not absolute. They are made by men to serve mankind and can be challenged in the courts of law. Therefore, Citizens who are dissatisfied with any, or all of the amendments can challenge the Electoral Act 2026 via a judicial action.
Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan!
Viva Kogi Central
Viva Nigeria.
ADDENDUM
” Please Iet me also suggest that VOTERS AND PARTY AGENTS SHOULD NEVER ALLOW ANY PRESIDING OFFICER TO LEAVE THE POLLING BOTH WITHOUT UPLOADING THE RESULTS UNTILL WHENEVER NETWORK RETURNS FOR THE UPLOAD OF FORM EC8A RESULTS ALREADY SIGNED BY ALL PARTY AGENTS AND IN THE PRESENCE OF THEIR SUPPORTERS.
■2. AFTER VOTING GO, IF YOU MUST BUT COME BACK FOR THE COUNTING AND UPLOADING OF THE SIGNED RESULTS.
■3. YOU ARE THE REAL AUTHOMATIC TRANSMISSION. IF YOU VOTE AND LEAVE, YOUR VOTE IS COMPLETELY USELESS WALAHI !!!”
■4. MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE A WI-FI WITH ENOUGH DATA TO HOTSPOT THE IRev INCASE THERE IS A CLAIM OF “NO NETWORK” BY RETURNING OFFICERS.
■FINALLY, YOU MUST LAY SERIOUS AMBUSH AT THE POOLING BOTHS BECAUSE YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ANY ACCESS AT THE 774 LOCAL GOVERNMENT HEADQUARTERS WHERE THE FRAUDLENT SURGERY OF THE RESULTS ARE CARRIED OUT IF YOU FAILED TO FIRST UPLOAD THE RESULTS AT THE POOLING BOOTHS.
NEVER AGAIN !
Dr Amadi, LL.B, BL, LL.M, Ph.D (Law), is Member, Imo State Council of Elders
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