The House of Representatives has approved targeted amendments to the Electoral Act, imposing stiffer penalties for vote buying and selling. Individuals found guilty may face a minimum of two years imprisonment or a N5 million fine-or both-and a 10-year ban from contesting elections.
The amendments were adopted during the clause-by-clause consideration of the report of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu. Under the revised Clause 22a and c, penalties for vote buying and selling are significantly higher than previous provisions, which capped fines at N500,000 or two years imprisonment.
