The Presidency has firmly defended the newly signed Electoral Act 2026, rejecting allegations by opposition parties that the legislation undermines Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the administration described the claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) as “reckless” and “spurious.”
The parties had called for a fresh amendment process, arguing that certain provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 could weaken transparency.
President Bola Tinubu signed the amended law on February 18 following its passage by the National Assembly.
Key reforms in the Electoral Act 2026 include restricting political parties to direct primaries and consensus options, shortening campaign timelines, and mandating the release of funds to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) six months before elections instead of 12.
Electoral Act 2026 and Result Transmission
Addressing concerns about election result transmission, the Presidency clarified that the law permits real-time electronic transmission while retaining Form EC8A as a legal backup in case of network failure.
According to the statement, this dual system strengthens electoral integrity rather than creating loopholes.
The Presidency also emphasized that the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) serves only as a public viewing platform and not as a collation centre.
Official validation of results, it maintained, remains tied to statutory documentation.
Direct Primaries and Democratic Participation
Defending the shift to direct primaries, the government argued that wider participation by party members enhances internal democracy and reduces manipulation linked to delegate systems.
The Presidency questioned why opposition parties object to broader member involvement in candidate selection.
Dismissing claims of a move toward a one-party state, officials reiterated that Nigeria remains a vibrant multiparty democracy.
The administration insisted that the Electoral Act 2026 represents a significant improvement aimed at preventing electoral malpractice and ensuring credible elections ahead of 2027.
