Nigerian Senate Passes 2026 Electoral Act Amendment Bill

The Senate of Nigeria passed the 2026 Electoral Act Amendment Bill on May 7, 2026, aiming to eliminate judicial delays and forum shopping caused by inconsistent court assignments. The legislation introduces Section 29A, which allows aspirants to file suits in any court within the Federal Capital Territory or where an action arose, removing previous restrictions that limited filings to the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The amendment establishes a strict judicial hierarchy for electoral litigation. Pre-election matters regarding the National Assembly, governorships, and state houses of assembly now begin at the Federal High Court, with appeals moving to the Court of Appeal. Disputes involving presidential and vice-presidential candidates start directly at the Court of Appeal, with final appeals going to the Supreme Court.

Simon Bako Lalong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, presented the report and led the debate on the changes. He warned that inconsistent court assignments had led to delays and forum shopping, undermining the electoral process. Senator Mohammed Monguno seconded the motion, calling the amendment apt and likely to improve electoral litigation. Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the bill and expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would assent, stating the act would deepen democracy and governance. The bill now awaits presidential assent to become law.