In a significant step towards enhancing transparency and credibility in Nigeria's electoral process, the House of Representatives has passed key amendments to the Electoral Act 2022, mandating the real-time electronic transmission of polling unit results directly to the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) Result Viewing (IReV) portal.
The landmark provision, approved during a clause-by-clause consideration of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, eliminates previous discretionary language that allowed INEC to determine transmission methods.
The new Clause 60(3) explicitly requires: “The presiding officer shall electronically transmit the results from each polling unit to the IReV portal in real time, and such transmission shall be done after the prescribed form EC8A has been signed and stamped by the presiding officer and/or countersigned by the candidates or polling unit agents, where available at the polling unit.”
Lawmakers described the change as a direct response to widespread criticisms of delays and technical glitches with the IReV portal during the 2023 general elections, which eroded public trust.
The amendments also solidify the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) under Clause 47(2), making it the sole method for voter accreditation.
In cases of irreplaceable BVAS failure, elections in affected polling units must be cancelled, with a fresh poll conducted within 24 hours if the outcome could materially impact the overall result in the constituency.
To combat electoral malpractice, the House introduced stiffer penalties, including:Vote buying or selling: Minimum 2 years' imprisonment, ₦5 million fine, or both, plus a 10-year ban from contesting elections (amended Clause 22).
Presiding officers violating result counting, announcement, or transmission rules: Minimum ₦500,000 fine, 6 months' imprisonment, or both (new Section 60(6)).
Multiple voter registrations: Minimum ₦100,000 fine, 1 year's imprisonment, or both (amended Clause 12(3)).
False declaration of results: Up to 5 years' imprisonment.
Other notable provisions approved include: Requiring the release of funds to INEC at least one year before general elections to ensure adequate preparation.
Extending the deadline for political parties to submit candidate lists to 210 days before elections.
Allowing electronic voter identification cards, including downloadable QR-coded versions for convenience.
However, lawmakers rejected a proposed clause that would have criminalised the inducement of delegates during party primaries, citing concerns over potential misuse and entrapment.
Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Adebayo Balogun, commended the amendments for building on the strengths of the 2022 Act while closing identified loopholes, following extensive consultations with INEC, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.
The bill has now advanced for third reading and full passage in the House. It will subsequently require Senate concurrence, harmonisation in a conference committee if needed, and presidential assent to become law in time for the 2027 general elections.
Civil society groups and election observers have widely welcomed the mandatory real-time transmission clause, describing it as a critical safeguard that will significantly bolster electoral integrity, reduce manipulation opportunities, and restore public confidence in Nigeria's democracy.
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