By Aina Shehu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially signed the new Electoral Bill into law, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic reform and electoral process.
The new law is expected to strengthen transparency, improve election credibility, and modernize the conduct of elections nationwide. Authorities say the reform reflects the government’s commitment to free, fair, and credible polls, while stakeholders believe it could significantly reshape Nigeria’s electoral landscape ahead of future elections.
President Tinubu’s speech on X {formerly Twitter} on Wednesday 18th Febuary 2026
”After every election cycle, we owe Nigerians an honest look at what worked and what must work better. That is how serious democracies behave, and our laws must grow with experience.
Today, I signed the final amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act into law.
These amendments are not about politics. They are about process. They are about closing gaps, strengthening procedures, and providing greater clarity to those who conduct and participate in our elections.
When citizens walk into a polling unit, they must do so with confidence. When results are declared, they must be trusted. That confidence is built deliberately, and not by chance.
I sincerely thank the National Assembly for its cooperation and sense of national responsibility in bringing this process to a successful conclusion. Our responsibility remains to keep improving the system so that the people’s will is expressed clearly, peacefully, and credibly.
The work of strengthening our democracy continues, and we shall not relent.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria”
Major Changes in the New Electoral Law
According to early details and expected implementation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the law introduces several key reforms:
- Stronger Use of Technology
• Legal backing for electronic transmission of election results.
• Improved regulation of digital voter accreditation systems.
Impact: Faster and more reliable results, reduced manipulation. - Improved Election Transparency
• Clearer rules for result collation and announcement.
• Tougher penalties for tampering with election materials.
Impact: Greater public trust in election outcomes. - Stricter Campaign Finance Control
• Limits on campaign spending by parties and candidates.
• Increased monitoring of political funding sources.
Impact: Reduction in vote-buying and money politics. - Clearer Rules for Party Primaries
• Stronger legal framework guiding candidate selection.
• Penalties for parties that violate primary election procedures.
Impact: Fewer internal party crises and court disputes. - Stronger Voter Protection
• Tougher punishment for violence, intimidation, and vote-buying.
• Greater legal backing for voter safety and rights.
Impact: More peaceful and secure elections. - Greater Operational Strength for INEC
• Expanded authority in managing election logistics and enforcement.
Impact: Reduced interference and smoother election management.
🇳🇬 What It Means for Voters
• More confidence that votes will count.
• Faster declaration of election results.
• Safer and more secure voting environment.
• Reduced influence of vote-buying.
• Stronger democratic participation.
What It Means for Political Parties
• Parties must strictly follow primary election rules or face sanctions.
• Campaign spending will be closely monitored.
• Reduced room for result manipulation.
• Greater need for genuine grassroots support.
• Increased internal discipline to avoid disqualification and legal battles.
More detailed provisions and implementation guidelines are expected to be released by INEC and relevant authorities in the coming days.