ELECTORAL ACT AMENDMENT BILL 2025 HB 2479
Bill · Governance
Policy date: 2026-02-01
An Act that amends Nigeria's Electoral Act to regulate federal, state, and area council elections. It targets the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, candidates, voters, and other stakeholders by establishing a special fund and improving technological integration. This strengthens electoral independence and promotes transparency in election management.
What Is This Policy?
A comprehensive amendment to Nigeria's Electoral Act that seeks to repeal and re-enact the electoral law to regulate the conduct of federal, state, and area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory. It was signed into law by President Tinubu in February 2026.
Who Does It Target?
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, candidates, voters, and all stakeholders involved in Nigeria's electoral process.
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Strengthen electoral independence, enhance transparency in election management, improve technological integration in the electoral process, promote accountability, and establish local election tribunals for dispute resolution.
Key Features
Special Fund for INEC: Establishes a dedicated financial mechanism to guarantee INEC's financial autonomy and operational stability Electronic and Manual Transmission: Provides for both electronic and manual transmission of election results under Clause 60 Local Election Tribunals: Formalizes judicial processes for resolving disputes in local government elections Revised Election Notice Period: Amends notice periods for elections, including adjustments for religious observances such as Ramadan
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Signed into law; applicable to the 2027 general elections and subsequent elections Coverage: All 36 states, the FCT, and 774 local government areas Key Stakeholders: INEC, National Assembly, political parties, civil society organizations Sponsor: Hon. Adebayo Olusegun Balogun, Chairman, House Committee on Electoral Matters
How to Access
The Act applies automatically to all elections conducted in Nigeria. Stakeholders can access the full text through the National Assembly website or the Official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Important Terms
Electronic transmission of results is permitted but not mandatory; manual transmission remains an option Constitutional amendment provisions require two-thirds majority in both chambers and ratification by majority of State Houses of Assembly Controversial Clause 60(3) retains both manual and electronic transmission options
Impact & Metrics
The amendment is expected to govern the conduct of the 2027 general elections and all subsequent elections, strengthening the democratic framework by improving transparency, reducing disputes, and enhancing voter confidence in the electoral process.
Official Resources
Website: nass.gov.ng Contact: National Assembly, Three Arms Zone, Abuja
Legal Framework
The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025 (HB 2479) operates under the Electoral Act 2022, which is the primary electoral legislation, and the 1999 Constitution (Sections 77–79 and 132–134 on federal elections). It aligns with the Independent National Electoral Commission (Establishment) Act, the Constitution (Fourth and Fifth Alteration) Acts, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance standards for electoral administration.