February 18, (THEWILL) — In a landmark move to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, signed the Electoral Act 2026 into law, replacing the outdated smart card readers with the modern Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
THEWILL had earlier reported heightened political tension on Tuesday, as both chambers of the National Assembly re-enacted and passed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2026. The signing ceremony took place at about 5:00 p.m. at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with principal officers of the National Assembly in attendance.
The newly enacted legislation introduces critical reforms designed to enhance transparency and credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections. At the centre of the reforms is the adoption of BVAS, a system that improves voter verification and significantly reduces the risk of electoral malpractice.
The law also formally legalises the electronic transmission of results, while retaining manual procedures as a fallback in areas where technology may fail. Another key provision grants the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the flexibility to adjust election dates, ensuring that the 2027 polls do not coincide with the Ramadan fasting period, thereby promoting broader voter participation.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Tinubu emphasised the significance of the reforms, stating:
“After every election cycle, we owe Nigerians an honest look at what worked and what must work better. That is how serious democracies behave, and our laws must grow with experience. Today, I signed the final amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act into law. These amendments are not about politics. They are about process, closing gaps, strengthening procedures, and providing greater clarity to those who conduct and participate in our elections,” the President said.
He added, “When citizens walk into a polling unit, they must do so with confidence. When results are declared, they must be trusted. That confidence is built deliberately, and not by chance. I sincerely thank the National Assembly for its cooperation and sense of national responsibility in bringing this process to a successful conclusion. The work of strengthening our democracy continues, and we shall not relent.”
By assenting to the Electoral Act 2026, President Tinubu has officially repealed the 2022 Electoral Act, signalling Nigeria’s renewed commitment to technological integration, transparency, and robust democratic processes.
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