As President Tinubu signed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into Law, citizens should note the following 7 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
