The Nigerian House of Representatives has approved major amendments to the Electoral Act, introducing tougher penalties for vote buying and selling. Individuals caught engaging in these acts now face a minimum of two years in prison, a N5 million fine, or both. Offenders are also barred from contesting elections for 10 years.
During a clause-by-clause review of the report by the Committee on Electoral Matters, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, the House enhanced sanctions for presiding officers who breach procedures on counting, announcing, and transmitting polling results. Violators may face at least six months in prison, a N500,000 fine, or both.
The amendments also require election funds to be released to INEC at least a year before elections, improving planning and execution. To further combat electoral fraud, penalties for multiple voter registrations have been increased to a minimum of N100,000 or one year’s imprisonment, or both.
Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Adebayo Balogun, stated that while plans to repeal the 2022 Electoral Act were shelved, targeted amendments will continue to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.
