From Victor Osula Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, signed the Electoral Act 2026 into law, a landmark move that replaces outdated smart card readers with the modern Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
The President’s accent brings to a close the political tension that preceded the eventual agreement on Tuesday by both chambers of the National Assembly, which re-enacted and passed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2026.
President Tinubu signed the new Electoral Act into law at around 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in a ceremony attended by the principal officers of the National Assembly.
The new legislation, harmonised by the National Assembly, introduces reforms designed to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 general elections. Central to the Act is the adoption of BVAS, which enhances voter verification and reduces the risk of electoral malpractice.
The law also formally legalises the electronic transmission of results, but allowing manual procedures as a fallback where technology fails.
Another significant provision grants the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the flexibility to adjust election dates, ensuring the 2027 polls do not coincide with the Ramadan fasting period and promoting broader voter participation.
By assenting to the Electoral Act 2026, President Tinubu has repealed the Electoral Act 2022, signaling a renewed commitment to technological integration, transparency, and strengthened democratic processes in Nigeria.
