The House of Representatives has approved tougher penalties for electoral offences, signaling a major shift in Nigeria’s electoral accountability framework. Amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 now prescribe a 10-year jail term or a N75 million fine for individuals convicted of forging nomination papers or destroying election result sheets—an increase from the N50 million fine in the original law.

Lawmakers also approved a N5 million fine for the improper use of a voter’s card.

However, a proposed two-year prison term for persons who financially or materially influence delegates during party primaries, congresses, or conventions was rejected. Members argued such a measure could be misused by political opponents to harass aspirants and candidates.

The amendments also revised procedures for addressing over-voting. Previously, results in affected polling units would be cancelled and fresh elections conducted. The House now allows excess votes to be proportionately deducted from all candidates’ scores, with the Presiding Officer held accountable.

Speaking on the changes, Adebayo Balogun, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, explained that the Electoral Bill 2025 was initially conceived as a full replacement of the Electoral Act 2022. Proposed reforms included early voting, inmate voting, technology-driven voter accreditation, and adjustments to electoral timelines.

“Legislative procedure ultimately shaped our decisions,” Balogun said. “Since several transformative provisions were not approved at the committee stage, amendment rather than outright repeal was the more appropriate approach.”

The new measures reflect a commitment to strengthen electoral integrity, deter malpractice, and ensure accountability in Nigeria’s political process.