President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law an amendment to the Electoral Act, making the electronic transmission of polling results optional rather than mandatory. The law was enacted on February 18, 2026.
Under the revised framework, manual result sheets (Form EC8A) will take precedence in the event of technical glitches or network failures. The President defended the move, citing concerns over broadband limitations, network reliability in rural areas, and the need to safeguard the process against potential cyber threats while maintaining human oversight.
The bill generated significant controversy during its passage. Protests erupted outside the National Assembly, where demonstrators were dispersed with tear gas. Some lawmakers staged a walkout amid heated exchanges on the floor.
Opposition figures, including Peter Obi, criticized the amendment, describing it as a setback for electoral transparency. Supporters, however, argue that the change reflects the realities of uneven digital infrastructure across parts of the country.
The development has reignited debate over electoral reforms and the balance between technology and manual safeguards in Nigeria’s voting system.
