Tinubu signs Electoral Act amendment introducing hybrid result transmission ahead of 2027 elections

President Bola Tinubu has signed the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) into law, introducing a hybrid system that combines electronic and manual transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, shortly after the National Assembly passed the revised legislation. The amendment comes amid renewed debate over how election results should be transmitted, especially in areas with poor internet connectivity.

New law allows electronic and manual result transmission

The amended law permits both electronic transmission of results and manual collation, depending on network availability. This means results can be uploaded digitally where possible, while manual transmission using physical result forms will serve as the primary backup in areas without reliable internet access.

Tinubu said the amendment reflects the realities of Nigeria’s electoral environment and stressed the continued importance of human oversight in the voting process.

“It is time to have confidence in our system,” the president said, noting that although technology supports the process, election outcomes are ultimately managed and announced by people.

He explained that voting will still be conducted manually at polling units, where voters cast paper ballots, and officials count votes physically. The electronic component, he said, is mainly intended to ensure accuracy and improve transparency when transmitting final results.

The amendment followed intense legislative debates and public reactions, particularly after earlier proposals appeared to weaken mandatory electronic transmission requirements.

Electoral reform comes amid preparations for 2027 polls

The new law comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares for the 2027 general elections. The electoral body has already released its Notice of Election and timetable outlining key activities leading up to the polls.

INEC has also proposed a ₦209 billion budget to strengthen its technological infrastructure, highlighting the financial and operational demands of conducting modern elections in Africa’s most populous country.

Read also: Senate passes Electoral Act amendment bill after clash over e-transmission

The amendment reflects a compromise reached after lawmakers and stakeholders raised concerns about Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and the feasibility of relying solely on electronic transmission. The hybrid approach is designed to ensure election continuity in areas affected by connectivity challenges while maintaining transparency through digital tools where available.

Public debate over result transmission intensified following controversies during previous elections, when delays and technical issues raised questions about credibility and trust in the process.

By signing the amendment into law, the government aims to provide legal clarity and operational flexibility ahead of the 2027 elections, while balancing technological advancement with Nigeria’s current infrastructure limitations.

The new Electoral Act amendment is expected to shape how votes are recorded, transmitted, and verified across the country, making it one of the most consequential electoral reforms in Nigeria ahead of the next national polls.