NEWS
Senate Passes Landmark Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill 2026, Slashes INEC Notice Period to 180 Days in Major Electoral Reform
The Nigerian Senate has taken a decisive step toward strengthening the nation’s electoral framework with the passage of the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026, marking a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to improve the credibility and efficiency of elections in the country.
The bill was passed after an extensive clause-by-clause consideration and approval of all 155 clauses by the upper chamber. While a substantial number of the provisions were retained as originally proposed, several critical amendments were introduced to address emerging electoral realities and operational challenges.
One of the most consequential amendments is the reduction of the timeline for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish notices of election from 360 days to 180 days before the conduct of polls.
The amendment followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Tahir Monguno, who argued that the earlier 360-day requirement had become impractical and no longer aligned with current electoral timelines. He maintained that shortening the period would better position INEC to comply with statutory obligations, especially as preparations for the next general election are already underway.
According to him, retaining the 360-day benchmark could place unnecessary strain on the electoral body and create avoidable administrative bottlenecks, given the proximity of upcoming elections. The revised 180-day window, he noted, strikes a more realistic balance between adequate preparation and operational feasibility.
The passage of the bill reflects the Senate’s resolve to modernize Nigeria’s electoral laws and ensure they remain responsive to contemporary democratic demands.
Lawmakers expressed optimism that the new legal framework would enhance electoral transparency, reduce procedural ambiguities, and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
The bill is expected to proceed to the next legislative stage, where further scrutiny and harmonization will take place before eventual transmission to the President for assent. If signed into law, the new Electoral Act will repeal the existing 2022 Act and usher in a revised legal regime governing elections in Nigeria.