N/Assembly to fine-tune Electoral Act, curb vote buying

The National Assembly has said it will fine-tune outstanding issues in the Electoral Act, introduce stiffer sanctions against vote buying and prioritise key constitutional amendment provisions as part of its 2026 legislative agenda, with a view to strengthening the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general election.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja during the resumption of plenary, shortly before both chambers adjourned to Wednesday, January 28, to honour deceased members of the National Assembly.

Those mourned include Senators Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa North), Okechukwu Ezea (Enugu North) and John Kojo-Brambaifa (Bayelsa West).

In his welcome remarks, Kalu said the Electoral Act remained one of the House’s major legislative priorities in 2026, adding that unresolved issues would be addressed promptly. “If there is still any work left on the Electoral Act, we will make sure we fine-tune it this week,” he said, noting that the Senate was also expected to conclude its part of the process.

Reinforcing this position, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) said the Electoral Bill, 2025, currently before the National Assembly, proposes tougher penalties for vote buying and other electoral offences. He said sanctions range from a N5 million fine to two years’ imprisonment and a 10-year ban from contesting elections, with stiffer penalties proposed for offences such as result falsification and obstruction of election officials.

Bamidele said the bill also provides for electronically generated voter identification with QR codes, mandatory electronic transmission of results, and standardised delegate selection in party primaries.

He added that committees on INEC would soon submit reports for clause-by-clause consideration, while lawmakers would also scrutinise the 2026 budget and conclude work on constitutional amendments.

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