Akpabio Hails New Electoral Law as a Game-Changer for Nigerian Elections

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has welcomed the updated Electoral Act, recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.

Speaking at the State House in Abuja, Akpabio said the new legal framework is designed to make elections more transparent and ensure that votes are accurately counted and reflected in official results.

A key feature of the law is its formal recognition of electronic result transmission and verification, aimed at reducing tampering as results move from polling units to collation centres. The law also provides safeguards for areas with limited internet access by allowing results signed on official forms to be uploaded once connectivity is restored.

Other reforms include direct primaries for political parties, giving party members a stronger role in choosing candidates, and rules that require fresh elections if a winning candidate is later disqualified by a court. Adjustments to the election notice period may move the next general elections earlier in 2027 to avoid conflicts with religious observances and improve voter participation.

Lawmakers defended the changes as a reflection of Nigerians’ desire for more credible elections, even as discussions continue on the implementation of some of the technological reforms.