Nigeria’s House of Representatives has approved far-reaching amendments to the Electoral Act, introducing a stiff 10-year prison sentence and a ₦75 million fine for anyone found guilty of electoral forgery, in a move lawmakers say is aimed at finally curbing endemic election malpractice.
DDM gathered that the decision was reached during plenary after lawmakers adopted recommendations seeking tougher punishment for offences that undermine the credibility of elections in Nigeria.
The amendment specifically targets electoral forgery, a crime that includes falsification of results, manipulation of election documents, impersonation, and other acts designed to subvert the will of voters.
Under the newly approved provision, offenders risk a jail term of up to 10 years without the option of a fine, or a ₦75 million fine, or both, depending on the gravity of the offence and the discretion of the court.
Lawmakers backing the amendment argued that weak penalties under existing laws have failed to deter political actors, electoral officials, and their collaborators from engaging in election fraud.
They noted that electoral forgery has remained one of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s democracy, often leading to prolonged court battles, voter apathy, and loss of public trust in the electoral process.
During debates, several lawmakers described the amendment as “long overdue,” stressing that democracy cannot survive where criminals manipulate election outcomes with little or no consequences.
Proponents of the bill said the harsh penalties are designed to serve as a strong deterrent, particularly for politicians who view fines and light sentences as the cost of doing business.
They argued that the financial and custodial punishments reflect the seriousness of electoral forgery, which they described as an attack on national sovereignty and democratic stability.
Some members of the House pointed to past elections where forged results, altered figures, and fake documents triggered violence, court disputes, and political instability.
According to them, electoral forgery does not only steal mandates but also fuels corruption, insecurity, and governance failure by installing leaders without popular legitimacy.
The amendment forms part of a broader review of the Electoral Act, as the National Assembly continues efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of future elections.
Lawmakers said the revised provisions are intended to empower law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to take firm action against election-related crimes.
However, the development has also sparked debate among legal experts and civil society groups, with some questioning whether enforcement will match legislative intent.
Critics argue that Nigeria already has strong laws on paper, but weak implementation and selective prosecution have historically undermined accountability.
They warn that without political will, independent investigations, and protection for whistleblowers, the new penalties may remain symbolic rather than transformative.
Others have raised concerns about possible abuse of the law, urging clear definitions of electoral forgery to prevent politically motivated prosecutions.
Supporters of the amendment counter that the risk of abuse should not overshadow the urgent need to protect the integrity of elections.
They insist that credible elections are the foundation of good governance and that severe punishment is justified for crimes that distort the democratic process.
The House of Representatives expressed optimism that the amendment, once passed into law, will discourage manipulation by politicians, party agents, and compromised electoral officials.
The bill is expected to proceed to the Senate for concurrence before being transmitted to the President for assent.
If eventually signed into law, the amendment would represent one of the toughest legal frameworks against electoral malpractice in Nigeria’s history.
Political analysts say the move sends a strong signal to political actors ahead of future elections, particularly as public frustration over rigging and flawed polls continues to grow.
They note that Nigerians will judge the success of the amendment not by its wording, but by whether powerful offenders are actually prosecuted and punished.
As debates continue, the House’s decision has reignited national conversation on electoral justice, accountability, and whether Nigeria is finally ready to protect the sanctity of the ballot.
For many citizens, the approval of a 10-year jail term and ₦75 million fine raises cautious hope that the era of consequence-free election rigging may finally be coming to an end.