Princess Oyefusi Simplifies Electoral Laws for Voters

As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 elections, Princess Abiodun Islamiyat Oyefusi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the first female governorship aspirant in Lagos, is already turning heads—not just for her political ambition, but for her detailed analysis of the country’s newly signed Electoral Act 2026.

Addressing party members and supporters, Princess Oyefusi meticulously dissected the law, highlighting both progressive reforms and potential legal pitfalls that could shape the future of Nigeria’s electoral landscape.

At the forefront of her discussion was Section 3, which grants financial autonomy to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). “This provision reduces last-minute dependence on political actors and allows proper planning of logistics,” she said, describing the dedicated fund and mandated six-month advance release of election funds as a major step toward electoral credibility.

She also examined Section 47, which makes the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) mandatory for voter verification at polling units. The aspirant noted that this move strengthens biometric verification, helping curb impersonation and multiple voting.

Yet, not all sections won her praise. Section 60, which deals with electronic transmission of results, drew her attention as a potential flashpoint. While presiding officers are required to transmit results electronically to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV), the law still permits manual submission using Form EC8A if devices fail.
“The allowance for manual submission creates room for disputes,” she warned, even as Section 60(6) imposes sanctions of up to six months’ imprisonment or a ₦500,000 fine on officers who deliberately frustrate electronic transmission.

Princess Oyefusi also highlighted post-election litigation reforms, pointing to Section 74(1), which mandates that Resident Electoral Commissioners release certified copies of electoral documents within 24 hours of payment, with non-compliance attracting a minimum two-year jail term. She said, “This tackles the long-standing complaint of delayed document access during election petitions.”

On enforcement of court judgments, she referenced Section 72(2), allowing certified copies of court orders to suffice for swearing-in in cases where INEC delays issuing certificates of return. “This prevents administrative bottlenecks from frustrating lawful winners,” she added.

She also delved into party regulations under Sections 77 and 84. Political parties are now required to maintain digital membership registers, issue membership cards, and submit registers to INEC at least 21 days before primaries or conventions—failure to comply could bar them from fielding candidates. Indirect primaries have been removed, with parties limited to direct primaries or consensus arrangements, a reform she said could reshape internal party democracy while presenting logistical and financial challenges.

Campaign finance reforms caught her eye as well. Section 92 raises spending limits, increasing governorship campaigns from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion, and presidential campaigns from ₦5 billion to ₦10 billion. While acknowledging the need to reflect current economic realities, she cautioned that higher ceilings might favor wealthier candidates over grassroots contenders. Section 93 further requires audited returns of election expenses within six months, with non-compliance attracting penalties of up to ₦10 million.
Electoral offences also face stiffer penalties. Section 125 prescribes up to two years’ imprisonment or fines between ₦500,000 and ₦2 million for vote buying, impersonation, and result manipulation.

On post-election disputes, she explained that challenges must be filed at the Election Petition Tribunal within 21 days, with tribunals required to conclude hearings within 180 days and appeals resolved within 60 days. Petitioners must still prove substantial non-compliance that affected the outcome, keeping the evidentiary burden high.

Concluding her remarks, Princess Oyefusi urged Nigerians to study the law closely. “An informed electorate is essential for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy,” she said, highlighting the critical role citizens play in holding the system accountable.

As the first female Lagos governorship aspirant, Princess Oyefusi’s detailed walk-through of the Electoral Act positions her as a candidate keen on transparency, accountability, and voter empowerment—a message that resonates well beyond party lines.