Reps Amend Electoral Act to Allow Electronic Service of Election Petitions

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The House of Representatives on Wednesday amended the Electoral Act 2026 to introduce a flexible and technology-driven system for the service of election petition processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The amendment followed the adoption of a report by the House Committee on Electoral Matters during the Committee of the Whole, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

The proposed reforms aim to improve efficiency in electoral dispute resolution by allowing electronic methods of service, clarifying jurisdictional boundaries, and reducing delays in pre-election matters.

Chairman of the Committee on Electoral Matters, Adebayo Balogun, said the changes were designed to provide clarity on court jurisdiction, ensure timely adjudication of disputes and reduce technical challenges associated with serving court processes.

Under the amendment, candidates are required to provide both physical and electronic contact details, including email and phone numbers, to enable service through multiple channels such as personal delivery, registered post and electronic transmission.

The bill also provides that service will be deemed effective once transmission is confirmed, even if the recipient does not acknowledge receipt.

In addition, the amendment introduces new provisions assigning jurisdiction over pre-election matters, with the Federal High Court handling disputes relating to National Assembly, State Assembly and governorship elections, while the Court of Appeal will exercise original jurisdiction in presidential matters, with final appeals going to the Supreme Court.

Balogun said the reforms address inconsistencies in the current legal framework, noting that reliance on physical service alone is outdated and prone to manipulation and delays.

He added that the changes align with constitutional provisions and international best practices aimed at strengthening electoral justice and judicial efficiency.

During deliberations, lawmakers rejected concerns raised about potential technical issues with electronic communication, insisting that digital service would complement rather than replace physical delivery of court processes.

The House said the amendments are expected to reduce frivolous objections, speed up the resolution of electoral disputes and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 elections.

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