By The House of Representatives has begun consideration of a new Electoral Act, proposing major legal reforms aimed at curbing electoral malpractice, tightening pre-election litigation, and strengthening accountability within the electoral process.
The consideration of the bill commenced during plenary on Wednesday but was marked by a tense and occasionally disorderly session, as lawmakers repeatedly raised competing points of order while debating the scope of the amendments to be considered.
After prolonged deliberations, the House resolved to limit discussions to provisions recommended by the House Committee on Electoral Matters, paving the way for clause-by-clause consideration of the proposed legislation.
Federal High Court to Handle Pre-Election Disputes
One of the key amendments approved empowers the Federal High Court in the state where a pre-election dispute originates to exercise exclusive jurisdiction over such matters.
According to the Committee Chairman, the provision is designed to stop the practice of filing pre-election cases in jurisdictions with no direct connection to the dispute, particularly the Federal Capital Territory, a trend that has often delayed electoral timelines.
Debate Over Disqualification of Candidates, Parties
The proposal to automatically disqualify candidates found to have submitted false information regarding constitutional eligibility—along with their sponsoring political parties—sparked intense debate on the floor of the House.
Opponents of the provision argued that disqualification should not extend to political parties, suggesting instead that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be mandated to conduct fresh elections excluding the affected candidate.
Supporters, however, maintained that holding parties accountable would compel stricter
internal screening processes and discourage the presentation of unqualified candidates.
Reps Approve Harsher Penalties for Electoral Offences
The House also approved significantly stiffer penalties aimed at deterring electoral misconduct.
Under the proposed amendments:
Any returning officer who announces false election results faces a five-year jail term.
A ten-year imprisonment is prescribed for officials who fail to record election results in the required form but proceed to announce them.
Resident Electoral Commissioners who fail to release Certified True Copies (CTCs) of election results may face a two-year jail term.
Lawmakers said the sanctions are necessary to restore public confidence in the electoral system and ensure compliance with electoral procedures.
Further Consideration Deferred
Consideration of the Electoral Act amendment report was deferred until Thursday to allow lawmakers to continue deliberations on outstanding provisions.
The proposed amendments, if passed into law, are expected to play a decisive role in determining how the 2027 elections are conducted, litigated, and adjudicated across the country.
