By Mahmoud
Former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, is calling for an urgent review of the 2026 Electoral Act, citing concerns that certain provisions could compromise future elections.
Speaking at the presentation of “A Collection of Essays: Readings on the Legislature” in Abuja, Jega highlighted issues with the Act, despite its aim to strengthen electoral integrity.
The main concern is the ambiguous language in Section 60(3), which prioritizes physical result sheets (Form EC8A) when electronic transmission fails. This could lead to disputes and manipulation, undermining transparency and trust in the electoral process.
Civil society groups and opposition parties are also pushing for amendments to address these “dangerous ambiguities”. Jega’s call for review is timely, given Nigeria’s history of electoral disputes and concerns over judicial interference in election outcomes.
The 2026 Electoral Act introduced electronic transmission of polling unit results to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV), aiming to improve transparency. However, the law’s vague wording on transmission failure and fallback procedures raises concerns.
Jega suggests periodic review of the Electoral Act and Constitution to address these issues. He also emphasizes the need for improved transparency and communication by INEC, as well as strengthening independent election management bodies.
The call for review highlights the importance of ensuring electoral integrity, encompassing all stages of the electoral process, from legal frameworks to dispute resolution.
Jega’s concerns echo those of many Nigerians who want to ensure that future elections are free, fair, and transparent.
The review of the Electoral Act is seen as crucial to building trust in Nigeria’s electoral process and ensuring that the country moves forward with credible elections.
The government and relevant stakeholders are expected to take Jega’s call for review seriously, given his expertise and experience in election management.
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