The Nigerian House of Representatives has approved amended portions of the Electoral Act 2022. The amendments have harsher penalties to combat electoral crimes and forgery. This comes in response to the loopholes identified during previous election processes.
Harsh Penalties for Serious Violations
The House set a 10-year jail term or a N75 million fine for forging nomination papers. Offenders who falsify results or destroy documents also face these punishments. Additionally they raised the fine from N50 million to N75 million.
Furthermore individuals who misuse a voter’s card now risk a N5 million fine. These measures aim to deter fraud.
Changes to Over-Voting Rules
The amendments alter how over-voting cases work. Instead of canceling results entirely, officials deduct excess votes proportionally from all candidates. Then they prosecute the presiding officer.This shift promotes fairness. It prevents full disruptions from minor errors.
Rejected Ideas Spark Debate
Lawmakers rejected a two-year jail term for inducing delegates with money or gifts during primaries. They worried about misuse for political attacks. However this decision highlights concerns over party internal processes. Critics argue it misses chances to clean up primaries.
Approval Process and Statements
The House reviewed the bill in a plenary session on December 18, 2025. They examined clauses one by one as a Committee of the Whole.
Hon. Adebayo Balogun, the committee chairman, explained the focus on targeted reforms. He said broader ideas like early voting lacked support.
Next Steps and Broader Impact
Now the bill moves to the Senate for review. After that, it heads to the president for assent. These changes strengthen democracy. They build trust in elections. As a result, Nigerians expect fewer manipulations in future polls.
In addition, the reforms signal commitment to transparency. Officials hope they reduce court disputes over results. In conclusion, this legislation marks progress. It protects votes and holds offenders accountable. Yet full success depends on enforcement.
