Electoral law amendment sparks concern ahead of 2027 polls

Concerns over Nigeria’s electoral framework intensified on Thursday as a former senior election official warned that recent amendments to the Electoral Act could undermine the credibility of future polls, including the 2027 general elections.

Mike Igini, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), described the 2026 amendment to the Electoral Act as a “tragedy” and a regression from the gains recorded under the 2022 law.

“The current amendment to the Electoral Act is a tragedy to our country… it is a regression,” Igini said at the second annual lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies in Abuja.

He argued that the 2022 Electoral Act had been widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most progressive electoral frameworks, but warned that recent changes risk weakening public confidence in the system. “The 2022 Electoral Act represents the most progressive piece of electoral legislation in our history. Regrettably, that has been watered down,” he said.

Igini stressed that the legal framework governing elections plays a decisive role in determining their credibility, particularly at the pre-election stage. He warned that negative perceptions of neutrality among electoral stakeholders could erode trust in the process.

“The first thing you must ask if an election will be credible is the legal framework that will govern it. If the perception is wrong, we are in trouble,” he said.

He also raised concerns over what he described as the increasing role of the judiciary in deciding election outcomes, arguing that results should be determined at polling units rather than in courtrooms. “The winner of the election must be determined finally and conclusively at the polling unit and not in the court of law,” he added.

The remarks come amid growing debate following President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the amended Electoral Act into law in February 2026, a move that has drawn criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups.

Responding to concerns, INEC Chairman Prof Joseph Amupitan said strict adherence to the Electoral Act remains key to preventing post-election disputes and ensuring stability.

“Strict adherence to the Electoral Act is our strongest shield against post-election unrest,” Amupitan said, noting that the commission has strengthened technical safeguards such as the bimodal voter accreditation system and electronic results management.