Nigeria Senate Passes Electoral Act Amendment

The Nigeria — Senate of Nigeria has passed the 2026 Electoral Act Amendment bill, which aims to clarify court jurisdiction and timelines for handling pre-election disputes. The bill, presented by Senator Simon Lalong, addresses issues of uncertainty, multiplicity, and inconsistency in the legal framework for pre-election matters. Key amendments include allowing aspirants to institute actions in the Federal Capital Territory or where the cause of action arose, and establishing a clear jurisdictional hierarchy: Nigeria — Federal High Court of Nigeria for National Assembly, Governorship, and State Houses of Assembly elections, with appeals to the Nigeria — Nigerian Courts of Appeal; and original jurisdiction for presidential and vice-presidential disputes at the Nigeria — Nigerian Courts of Appeal, with appeals to the India — Supreme Court of India. This reform seeks to eliminate forum shopping, contradictory judgments, and delays, thereby strengthening electoral justice and public confidence in Nigeria's democratic process. President Godswill Akpabio expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu would assent to the bill.