Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Wednesday amended the Electoral Act 2026 to introduce a flexible, reliable, and technology-driven framework for the service of election petition processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The resolution followed the adoption of a report by the House Committee on Electoral Matters at the Committee of the Whole.
Earlier in plenary, lawmakers passed two bills through second reading and referred them to the Committee of the Whole, presided over by Deputy Speaker, Dr Benjamin Kalu.
Presenting the general principles of the bills, Chairman of the Committee on Electoral Matters, Adebayo Balogun, said the reforms were aimed at improving electoral justice and reducing delays in dispute resolution.
He listed the objectives to include providing clarity on court jurisdiction in pre-election matters, ensuring timely adjudication, introducing technology-driven service of court processes, and reducing technical delays associated with election petitions.
The first amendment modifies Section 29(8) to require candidates to submit both physical and electronic contact details, including email addresses and phone numbers. It also recognises multiple modes of service such as personal delivery, registered post, and electronic transmission via email, SMS, and other digital platforms, with service deemed effective upon proof of transmission.
It further defines acceptable proof of service, including delivery confirmations and system-generated records, while stating that failure of a respondent to acknowledge receipt does not invalidate service.
The second bill introduces a new Section 29(a) to clarify jurisdiction in pre-election matters. It empowers the Federal High Court to handle National Assembly, State Assembly, and governorship disputes at first instance, with election petitions terminating at the Court of Appeal.
It also provides that the Court of Appeal will exercise original jurisdiction over presidential pre-election matters, with final appeals lying at the Supreme Court, while restricting courts from hearing matters outside their defined jurisdiction.
Balogun noted that the committee found that reliance on physical service alone is outdated, prone to manipulation, evasion, and logistical challenges, adding that technology now offers more credible and efficient alternatives.
He also highlighted existing ambiguities in jurisdictional provisions, which he said had led to conflicting judicial decisions and delays in electoral dispute resolution.
According to him, the amendments align with Section 285 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and reflect international best practices in electoral dispute resolution.
He added that the reforms would reduce preliminary objections, speed up hearings, and strengthen confidence in the electoral process.
“The Committee is of the considered view that the proposed amendments will significantly improve the administration of electoral justice in Nigeria”, he said, noting that clearer jurisdictional boundaries and digital service mechanisms would enhance efficiency, reduce delays, and curb frivolous objections.
