National Assembly to Revise Electoral Act and Address Vote Buying

The National Assembly has announced its intention to address outstanding matters in the Electoral Act by implementing stricter penalties for vote buying, as well as prioritizing essential constitutional amendment provisions in its 2026 legislative agenda. This initiative aims to enhance the integrity of the electoral process in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.

During a plenary session in Abuja, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, shared this development on Tuesday, just before both chambers postponed proceedings until Wednesday, January 28, to pay tribute to deceased members of the National Assembly.

Among those honored were Senators Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa North), Okechukwu Ezea (Enugu North), and John Kojo-Brambaifa (Bayelsa West).

In his introductory comments, Kalu emphasized that the Electoral Act constitutes one of the House’s key legislative focuses for 2026, pledging to resolve any outstanding matters swiftly. “If we have any remaining tasks regarding the Electoral Act, we will ensure it is adjusted this week,” he stated, expressing expectations for the Senate to finalize its part in the process as well.

Supporting this stance, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) noted that the Electoral Bill, 2025, currently before the National Assembly, includes proposals for heightened penalties for vote buying and various electoral offenses. He pointed out that penalties could reach up to N5 million fines, two years of imprisonment, and a 10-year disqualification from contesting future elections, with more severe punishments suggested for acts such as result falsification and interference with election officials.

Bamidele further stated the bill also encompasses provisions for electronically generated voter identification utilizing QR codes, the mandatory electronic transmission of results, and standardized delegate selection during party primaries.

He mentioned that committees overseeing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would soon present reports for detailed review, while legislators would also evaluate the 2026 budget and finalize work on constitutional revisions.