2027 Polls: Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Flags 7 Key Changes In New Electoral Act, Urges Nigerians To Keep INEC On Its Toes
With the 2027 general elections drawing closer, the real test of Nigeria’s electoral reforms may lie less in new laws and more in how faithfully they are implemented.
Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has outlined seven major changes Nigerians should note ahead of the next election cycle.
She said the reforms are aimed at improving efficiency and transparency, while urging citizens to remain vigilant in holding the electoral umpire accountable.
Among the key changes is a streamlined voter registration process, with acceptable documents narrowed to three: a birth certificate, Nigerian passport and National Identification Number (NIN).
Voters will also be able to download their voter cards online from INEC’s website.
On result management, the law now makes electronic transmission to INEC’s IReV platform compulsory.
However, the senator raised concerns about a proviso that allows the physical result sheet (EC8A) to become the primary source when network failure prevents electronic upload.
“Except for that proviso in Section 60(3), the other amendments are fine,” she noted.
The new Act also limits party primaries to direct primaries and consensus, excluding other methods of candidate selection.
Timelines have been adjusted, with INEC funding now due six months before elections (down from 12 months), parties required to submit candidates 120 days before polling day (previously 180 days), and INEC to publish final candidate lists 60 days before elections (previously 150 days).
Akpoti-Uduaghan said while the National Assembly and Presidency have played their part, attention must now shift to INEC’s conduct.
She urged Nigerians to insist on strict compliance with the law, effective deployment of technology for accreditation and result transmission, timely logistics, protection of the voters’ register, peaceful polls in collaboration with security agencies, and prompt publication of results to build public trust.
She also called for scrutiny of election funding, urging citizens to “follow the money” on the proposed ₦873 billion budget for the 2027 elections, question the quality of BVAS machines and demand smarter software for BVAS and IReV.
The senator further suggested exploring partnerships with network providers, including satellite services, to ensure nationwide connectivity across over 177,000 polling units.
Concluding, she reminded Nigerians that laws are subject to judicial review and that dissatisfied citizens retain the right to challenge aspects of the Electoral Act 2026 in court.
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