The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged Nigerians to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the amended Electoral Act 2026, warning that ignorance of the law will not shield anyone from prosecution for electoral offences.

The call was made by the Head of Legal Services, INEC Kwara State Office, Barrister Abdulfatai Atata, during a one-day seminar organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, with the theme, “Dissecting the Amended Electoral Act 2026: The Innovation and Its Implications.”

Atata stressed that the Electoral Act provides the legal framework for the conduct of elections in Nigeria and that every stakeholder, including voters, political parties, candidates and the media, must understand its provisions.

“Nobody can rely on ignorance of the law as an excuse. Nigerians must acquaint themselves with the provisions of the amended Electoral Act to avoid sanctions for any violation,” he said.

According to him, the amended law introduces several reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s electoral system, including early release of election funds to enable INEC conduct credible polls and ensure eligible voters exercise their franchise without unnecessary hindrance.

He also noted that the Act streamlines acceptable means of identification for voter registration and election-related processes, including birth certificates, National Identity Cards and driver’s licences.

Atata disclosed that Section 22 of the amended Act expands the list of electoral offences to include both buyers and sellers involved in vote trading, describing the provision as a deterrent against electoral misconduct.

He added that the period for issuing election notices has been reduced to 300 days to improve planning and operational efficiency, while Section 28 shortens the election timetable by reducing the period before general elections by 60 days from the previous 120-day schedule.

Speaking further, the INEC legal chief explained that Section 77 now makes it compulsory for political parties to maintain both digital and hard-copy membership registers to promote transparency, reduce internal disputes and allow stakeholders easier access to party records.

He also revealed that the amended law provides for an upward review of campaign spending limits, saying the measure is intended to regulate campaign financing and discourage excessive spending in politics.

“The Act now mandates the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) or any other technology approved by INEC. This will further reduce electoral malpractice and improve the credibility of elections,” Atata said.

He added that Section 128(1) addresses several issues relating to pre-election matters and electoral disputes, while the amended Act also outlines clear procedures for managing technology failures during elections.

Describing the media as critical partners in the democratic process, Atata urged journalists to deepen public enlightenment on the new electoral reforms.

Also speaking, the Head of Voter Education and Publicity at INEC, Kwara State, Dr. Adigun Peter, observed that electoral malpractice involves several stakeholders and not politicians alone.

He, however, said reforms introduced by the Commission had significantly strengthened the electoral process.

“Politicians now resort to vote buying in pursuit of electoral victory, but we need the support of journalists and other stakeholders to restore integrity to our elections,” he said.

On his part, the Head of Public Affairs and Protocol, INEC Kwara State, Mr. Abdulkadir Ibrahim, said the new provisions reinforce the principle of “one man, one vote” and would make vote buying increasingly ineffective.

He expressed optimism that faithful implementation of the amended law would curb electoral malpractice across the country.

Earlier, Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel in Kwara State, Comrade Biola Azeez, said the seminar was organised to equip journalists with adequate knowledge of the amended Electoral Act so they could effectively educate Nigerians.

“Our members have a wide reach and play a strategic role in informing the public. This seminar is designed to ensure journalists understand the provisions of the amended Electoral Act and help enlighten citizens ahead of future elections,” Azeez said.