As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, the Senate has proposed tougher penalties for vote buying and other electoral offences. This was made known by the Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, in a statement released on Monday to mark the resumption of plenary by the 10th National Assembly. He said the proposals are …
2027 Polls: Big Trouble For Vote Buyers as Senate Proposes Tougher Penalties
As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, the Senate has proposed tougher penalties for vote buying and other electoral offences.
This was made known by the Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, in a statement released on Monday to mark the resumption of plenary by the 10th National Assembly.
He said the proposals are contained in the Bill seeking amendment of the Electoral Act, which is currently under consideration by the National Assembly.
He added thathhb the bill prescribes sanctions for vote buying ranging from a fine of ₦5 million to two years’ imprisonment, as well as a 10-year ban from contesting elections.
He further stressed that the proposed legislation also recommends mandatory jail terms and stiffer fines for offences such as result falsification and obstruction of election officials.
Proposed Bill Will Mandate Transmission Of Results Electronically
Bamidele said the bill introduces electronically generated voter identification, including a downloadable voter card with a unique QR code.
It also mandates presiding officers to electronically transmit polling unit results, including the total number of accredited voters.
He said the legislation seeks to standardise delegates for indirect primaries to prevent party leaders from unilaterally determining delegate criteria.
Committees on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in both chambers are expected to submit their reports for clause-by-clause consideration.
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The senate leader said the reforms are aimed at strengthening the credibility, transparency and security of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
Bamidele also said lawmakers would focus on the consideration of the 2026 appropriation bill presented by President Bola Tinubu on December 18, 2025, describing it as crucial to economic growth, stability and job creation.
He added that the review of the 1999 Constitution has reached an advanced stage, with the report of the constitution review committee expected to be presented to the Senate soon, subject to approval by at least two-thirds of state houses of assembly.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
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