Rigging Crackdown: N’Assembly slams Jail term on INEC officials

The National Assembly has introduced sweeping reforms in the newly enacted Electoral Act, 2026, including a two-year jail term for any Resident Electoral Commissioner who withholds vital electoral documents and the establishment of a dedicated fund to guarantee the financial autonomy of the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 general election.

The reforms were highlighted on Sunday in Abuja by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who described the new law as a product of two years of legislative engagement and consultations with key stakeholders.

Bamidele’s remarks came amid criticism from opposition parties, who argued that provisions relating to party primaries, campaign funding and election timelines favour the ruling All Progressives Congress.

However, the Presidency and the APC have defended the amendments as necessary to deepen democracy and strengthen electoral integrity.

According to Bamidele, the new framework mandates INEC to deploy the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System, maintain an electronic register of voters and enforce stricter penalties for electoral offences. Section 60(3) makes electronic transmission of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal compulsory, while Section 60(6) prescribes a six-month jail term or a N500,000 fine, or both, for any presiding officer who deliberately frustrates electronic transmission.

He clarified that the Result Viewing Portal is not a collation platform but a transparency tool, noting that electronic collation would require separate planning. Where transmission fails due to technical challenges, the law permits the use of Form EC8A as guided by INEC regulations.

To curb administrative bottlenecks, Section 74(1) requires a Resident Electoral Commissioner to release certified true copies of requested documents within 24 hours after payment, with non-compliance attracting a minimum two-year imprisonment without the option of a fine.

The Act also establishes a dedicated fund for INEC, mandating the release of election funds at least six months before polls to enhance operational independence and stability. It further strengthens penalties for vote-buying, impersonation and result manipulation, and phases out indirect primaries, retaining only direct and consensus options.

Campaign spending limits have been reviewed upward, with the presidential cap increased from N5bn to N10bn, alongside adjustments for other elective offices. Bamidele said the reforms aim to enhance transparency, reduce disputes and reinforce democratic governance in Nigeria.