Tinubu Signs Electoral Act Amendment Bill Into Law, Setting Stage for 2027 Elections

President assents to bill amid heated debate over electronic transmission; opposition and civil society groups had pushed for real-time result upload

President Bola Tinubu has signed the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) Bill into law, finalizing the legislative framework for next year's general elections just days after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the official timetable for the 2027 polls.

The signing ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja around 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, with principal officers of the National Assembly in attendance. The bill had been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly on Tuesday .

A Contentious Debate

The amendment reignites long-standing debates over the electronic transmission of election results—a issue that has divided stakeholders since the 2023 general elections. Civil society groups and opposition figures have consistently pushed for mandatory real-time transmission of results directly from polling units to INEC's central server, arguing that such a system would curb manipulation and strengthen electoral credibility .

Protesters last week besieged the National Assembly complex, demanding live transmission provisions. Their action was triggered by widespread allegations of rigging during the 2023 elections, when INEC's Results Viewing Portal (IReV) experienced technical failures that undermined confidence in the process .

The Ruling Party's Position

While the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed support for technology adoption in elections, some party stakeholders argue that areas with poor telecommunications infrastructure require a phased or hybrid approach. They contend that manual collation should remain available as a backup where electronic systems fail .

This position has drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil society organizations, who view any manual alternative as a potential loophole for manipulation.

What's Next

With the Electoral Act now amended, INEC is expected to release detailed regulations and guidelines for the 2027 elections. The commission has already announced that presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 20, 2027, followed by governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections on March 6, 2027 .

Stakeholders will now scrutinize the final text of the amendment to determine exactly how electronic transmission is addressed and what safeguards exist to ensure the integrity of the process.

More details to follow as the full content of the signed bill becomes available.