INEC RECs Faces Jail Term Over Election Files

INEC RECs Faces Jail Term Over Election Files

The National Assembly has passed the Electoral Act 2026, introducing strict measures to curb election malpractice and strengthen the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 polls.

Resident Electoral Commissioners who withhold vital documents now face a minimum two-year jail term, while a dedicated fund has been set up to ensure INEC’s financial autonomy.

The reforms also expand technological oversight in elections, making electronic transmission of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal mandatory.

Presiding officers who obstruct this process risk six months in prison or fines.

The law allows fallback to paper forms only when electronic transmission fails due to technical issues.

Administrative and party processes are now more regulated, with parties required to maintain digital membership registers submitted to INEC in advance of primaries or conventions.

Spending limits for various elective offices have been raised, direct and consensus primaries are mandated, and stricter penalties are introduced for vote-buying, impersonation, and result manipulation.

The Act also includes accessibility measures for persons with visual impairments, gender-sensitive voting arrangements, and fines for inaccurate financial reporting by parties.

Lawmakers describe the reforms as a comprehensive effort to improve transparency, strengthen accountability, and reinforce the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.