Electoral Act: Senator Natasha Urges Citizens To Intensify Vigilance On INEC

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has reacted to President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law, outlining the major changes introduced by the new legislation and urging citizens to intensify vigilance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In her statement on her Social media accounts, on Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that the new law introduces seven significant amendments which will shape the conduct of future elections.

The Act streamlines voter registration by limiting acceptable identification documents to a birth certificate, Nigerian passport, or National Identification Number (NIN).

It also introduces a new feature allowing voters to download their voter cards directly from the Independent National Electoral Commission website.

She described the compulsory electronic transmission of election results to the IReV portal as a positive development, but expressed concern over Section 60(3),
which stipulates that in the event of network failure, the physical result sheet (Form EC8A) becomes the primary tool for collation and declaration. According to her, this proviso may create a loophole that requires close public scrutiny.

The senator further highlighted that the amended Act now restricts political parties to two modes of primaries, direct primaries and consensus, removing the indirect delegate system.

Additionally, INEC will now receive election funds at least six months before a general election, instead of the previous 12-month requirement. Political parties must also submit their list of candidates 120 days before election day, down from 180 days, while INEC is mandated to publish its final list of candidates 60 days before the polls, instead of 150.

Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that with the National Assembly and the Presidency having completed their constitutional roles, the responsibility now shifts to INEC and the Nigerian people. She urged citizens to monitor INEC’s compliance with the new law, its deployment of technology for accreditation and result transmission, and the integrity of the voters’ register.

She also stressed the need for efficient logistics, timely distribution of election materials, collaboration with security agencies, and prompt publication of election results.

The Kogi Central senator reminded Nigerians that they remain the ultimate custodians of democracy, insisting on the need for public scrutiny over the projected ₦873 billion earmarked for the 2027 elections.

She encouraged citizens to question the quality of BVAS machines, demand improved software for BVAS and the IReV portal, and advocate for partnerships with reliable network providers such as Starlink to ensure nationwide coverage for the 177,000 polling units, an infrastructure she said should cost no more than ₦65 billion.

Akpoti-Uduaghan added that laws are not static and can be challenged in court by any citizen dissatisfied with aspects of the Electoral Act 2026.

Emphasizing democratic accountability, she concluded that every institution, including INEC, is ultimately answerable to the Nigerian people.

End.