Civil society groups demand public access to Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026 and call for review of ambiguous sections to protect voters’ rights

The Civil Society Network on Election Integrity and the Electoral Act has urged the Nigerian government to make copies of the signed Electoral Act of 2026 publicly available, emphasising that citizens have a right to access the law governing their votes.

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The Network also called on the National Assembly to urgently review sections of the Act that introduce new rules or ambiguities, warning that such gaps could facilitate electoral manipulation.

Speaking at a citizens’ town hall meeting in Abuja on Sunday, Samson Itodo of Yiaga Africa highlighted that laws protect democracy only when implemented with integrity and transparency.

“The quality of preparations, the transparency of resource management, the professionalism of election officials, and the independence of security agencies are what form the credibility of the election,” Itodo said.

Professor Okechukwu Ibeanu, a panellist at the meeting, criticised the newly amended Electoral Act, noting it returns Nigeria to the 2018 debate on electronic transmission of results.

He specifically called for review of Sections 16, 52, and 64, stressing that regulatory clarity is essential.

Ibeanu further warned that amendments led by politicians often prioritise political calculations over the protection of voters’ rights.

“Amendments to the law are meant to serve primarily, not defend the votes of citizens, but the calculations of politicians,” he said.

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The town hall underscored the demand for transparency, public scrutiny, and regulatory guidance to ensure that the Electoral Act 2026 strengthens the sanctity of the ballot rather than creating exploitable loopholes.