The National Assembly of Nigeria has recently enacted the Electoral Act 2026, introducing several reforms aimed at improving the electoral process in the country. Key features of the new legislation include mandatory electronic transmission of results, the obligatory use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, and the establishment of digital membership registers for political parties. These measures are designed to ensure greater transparency and integrity in the electoral system ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele highlighted that the development of the new electoral framework was the result of an extensive consultation process spanning two years. This process involved engaging with a variety of stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Office of the Attorney-General, civil society organizations, and international development partners. The collaborative effort was aimed at building a regime that reflects a national consensus on the necessary reforms needed to elevate the electoral framework in Nigeria.

Bamidele's statement underscored the importance of stakeholder input in shaping the reforms, emphasizing that the new law incorporates views from various critical players in Nigeria's democratic process. This inclusive approach aims to bolster public confidence in the electoral system and ensure fair and credible elections in the future, addressing past concerns about electoral malpractices and paving the way for a more robust democracy in Nigeria.