The House of Representatives has approved significant amendments to the Electoral Act, introducing harsher penalties for vote buying and selling.
Offenders now face a minimum of two years’ imprisonment, a N5 million fine, or both, as well as a 10-year ban from contesting elections.
The resolution was reached during a clause-by-clause review of the Committee on Electoral Matters’ report at the Committee of the Whole, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Under the amended Clause 22 (a and c), individuals involved in the buying or selling of votes or voter cards will face far stricter sanctions than previously provided, where penalties were limited to a maximum of N500,000 or two years’ imprisonment.
The House also strengthened penalties for presiding officers who deliberately violate procedures for counting, announcing, and transmitting polling unit results.
The new Section 60(6) prescribes a minimum fine of N500,000, at least six months’ imprisonment, or both, for such offences.
In addition, lawmakers approved a clause requiring that election funds be released to INEC at least one year before a general election, to facilitate early planning and ensure efficient conduct of polls.
To further curb electoral fraud, penalties for multiple voter registration were increased. Under amended Clause 12(3), offenders face a minimum fine of N100,000, at least one year’s imprisonment, or both.
Speaking to journalists after the deliberations, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Adebayo Balongun, said the House had shelved plans to repeal the Electoral Act 2022.
Instead, lawmakers opted for targeted amendments after broader reform proposals failed to secure consensus among legislators and key stakeholders.