Ex-INEC commissioner flags ‘risky’ provisions in 2026 Electoral Act ahead of 2027 polls

By Musa Baba Adamu

A former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mike Igini, has cautioned that certain provisions in the 2026 Electoral Act could weaken the credibility of future elections, particularly the 2027 general polls.
Igini raised the concerns during an appearance on The Morning Show on Arise TV, monitored in Abuja, explaining that his position followed a detailed review of the new legislation.
He identified three key sections of the Act: Sections 63, 138 and 137, which he described as potentially harmful to electoral transparency and accountability.
On Section 63, Igini argued that the provision grants presiding officers discretionary powers to accept ballot papers that may not carry official INEC security features, provided they are deemed authentic.
He warned that such discretion could open the door to abuse and compromise the integrity of the voting process.
The former commissioner also criticised Section 138, which addresses grounds for election petitions.
According to him, the clause appears to limit the ability to challenge election outcomes based on actions that violate INEC guidelines but are not explicitly stated in the Electoral Act.
He noted that this could weaken enforcement of the commission’s regulations.
In addition, Igini expressed concern over Section 137, which he said removes the necessity of joining electoral officers, such as presiding and returning officers, as respondents in election petitions.
He argued that this could make it more difficult to hold individual officials accountable for alleged misconduct during elections.
Igini maintained that while he had previously distanced himself from electoral discourse, the implications of the new provisions compelled him to speak out, urging stakeholders to critically examine the law in the interest of Nigeria’s democratic process.