Reps Approve Electronic Transmission of Results, Stiffer Penalties for Vote Trading

The House of Representatives has approved electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IREV) as part of amendments to the Electoral Act.

The approval followed the adoption of relevant clauses in the Electoral Bill 2025 during consideration by the House sitting as a Committee of the Whole, aimed at enhancing transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Under Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, INEC is mandated to transmit results electronically from polling units to the IREV in real time, alongside physical collation of results, to strengthen safeguards against manipulation.

The House also approved the use of electronically generated voter identification, including downloadable voter cards with unique QR codes or any other identification prescribed by INEC, for voter accreditation and

In addition, lawmakers approved stiffer penalties for vote buying and selling, prescribing a minimum of two years’ imprisonment or a N5 million fine, or both, as well as a 10-year ban from contesting elections.

“These amendments are designed to consolidate the gains of the Electoral Act 2022, close observed gaps and strengthen public confidence in the electoral system without undermining the stability of the existing framework,” said the Chairman, House Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun.

“The House deliberately chose amendment over outright repeal, reflecting the maturity of our democracy and our responsibility to legislate in a balanced and inclusive manner, even as we continue to engage future reforms like early voting and other innovations,” he added.

The House further approved earlier release of election funds to INEC, tougher sanctions for multiple voter registration and higher campaign spending limits, while dropping a controversial clause seeking to criminalise inducement of delegates during party primaries.