The House of Representatives has approved significant amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, introducing harsher penalties to combat electoral malpractices and enhance the integrity of Nigeria's democratic processes.
These changes, passed during a plenary session on December 18, 2025, include a 10-year prison term or a fine of up to N75 million for individuals found guilty of forging nomination documents or tampering with election result sheets.
The amendments also impose a 10-year jail term on presiding or collation officers who fail to stamp and sign result sheets without lawful justification, increasing the previous penalty from three years.
Additionally, the House approved a N5 million fine for the improper use of a voter’s card and mandated real-time electronic transmission of election results to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IREV) after forms are signed and stamped. Other key provisions strengthen INEC's authority over elections, clarify voter registration timelines, and address party primaries and candidate qualifications.
Hon. Adebayo Balogun, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, presented the report and emphasized the reforms' focus on modernization. "The committee, guided by stakeholder engagements, public hearings and expert submissions, initially proposed far-reaching reforms aimed at modernising the electoral framework," Balogun stated. He added, "What matters in law is the effect of the legislation, not its label."
These amendments address gaps identified in recent elections, promote transparency, and deter manipulation. The House rejected proposals for penalties on inducing delegates during primaries and automatic result cancellations for over-voting, opting instead for proportional vote deductions.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu presided over the session, which saw clause by clause adoption of the bill. The legislation now advances to the Senate for concurrence, marking a pivotal step in Nigeria's ongoing electoral reforms.
The House of Representatives remains committed to upholding democratic principles and ensuring free, fair, and credible elections for all Nigerians.