(DDM) – The Nigerian Senate has rejected a proposed 10-year jail term for buyers and sellers of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), choosing instead to retain the existing two-year imprisonment while increasing the fine from ₦2 million to ₦5 million under Clause 22 of the Electoral Amendment Bill.
DDM notes that the decision was taken during a clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, which also saw adjustments to key electoral timelines ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Under Clause 28, the Senate reduced the notice of election period from 360 days to 180 days before polling day, shortening the preparatory period for political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Clause 29 now requires political parties to submit candidate lists and affidavits 90 days before an election, down from the previous 180 days, and stipulates that nominees must emerge from valid party primaries.
The chamber retained Clause 44, which directs INEC to invite parties at least 20 days before an election to inspect ballot samples, with parties given two days to approve or reject how their identities appear.
Clause 47 replaces smart card readers with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for accreditation and voting, but the Senate rejected electronically generated voter identification, insisting that the PVC remain the sole identification method at polling units.
Additionally, the Senate struck out Clause 142, which limited the need for oral evidence in election petitions, citing concerns that it could waste judicial time.
The Electoral Amendment Bill must now be harmonised with the version passed by the House of Representatives before being sent to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
The Senate’s rejection of electronically transmitted results has drawn sharp criticism from the Labour Party, a Turaki-led PDP faction, former PDP Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George, and APGA founder Chief Chekwas Okorie, who argue that the move undermines transparency and could facilitate electoral malpractice.
Analysts warn that the decision may fuel political tension, as the country prepares for the 2027 polls, with opposition groups insisting that the amendments could preserve loopholes for vote manipulation.
Observers note that the adjustments to electoral timelines and accreditation methods could affect campaign strategies, party primaries, and INEC’s logistical planning for national and state elections.
While the increase in fines for PVC trading signals a tougher stance on electoral fraud, critics contend that rejecting longer jail terms and electronic transmission limits the deterrent effect against systemic manipulation of votes.
Political commentators suggest that harmonisation of the Senate and House versions will be a critical stage, as disagreements between the chambers could delay the final enactment of the bill.
The amendments have intensified debates over the credibility of future elections, with stakeholders urging INEC and the federal government to implement measures that guarantee transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.
The Senate’s final position, while modifying certain punitive measures, appears to maintain a cautious approach, balancing electoral discipline with concerns about procedural fairness and operational feasibility.
Overall, the passage of the amended bill is being closely monitored by political parties, civil society, and international observers, amid fears that inadequate reforms could perpetuate the vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s voting system.
