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Tinubu Signs Electoral Bill into Law — A Defining Moment for Nigeria’s Democracy
Tinubu Signs Electoral Bill into Law — A Defining Moment for Nigeria’s Democracy
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“New Electoral Act 2026 Enters the Statute Books Amid Intense Debate Over Nigeria’s Democratic Future.”
In a watershed development for Nigeria’s political trajectory, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Electoral Act, 2026 (a fundamental overhaul of the nation’s electoral legal framework) into law. The signing took place on 18 February 2026 at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, following the passage of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re‑Enactment) Bill, 2026 by the National Assembly.
This move marks a critical legislative milestone ahead of the 2027 general elections. The amended Electoral Act replaces the 2022 law and introduces key changes to Nigeria’s electoral processes, procedures and timelines; a package that has ignited both approval and fierce criticism from political stakeholders, civil society and democracy advocates.
At the centre of the amendments are revisions to election timetables, the scope of result transmission procedures, and administrative adjustments intended to align the law with the logistical realities of upcoming polls. The Senate, during its legislative consideration, moved to shorten the notice period for general elections from 360 days to 300 days, a shift argued to be necessary to avoid a clash with the Ramadan fasting period, which could complicate nationwide mobilisation and voter participation.
Among the most contested provisions in the new law is the treatment of electronic transmission of election results. Initial versions of the bill sought to mandate the real‑time upload of polling unit results directly to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) result platform — a reform widely regarded by experts as crucial for transparency and public confidence. However, the Senate’s final version retained a fallback to manual transmission in cases of network failure, a compromise that has been sharply criticised.
This compromise has drawn pointed warnings from seasoned electoral experts. Mike Igini, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), unequivocally described the bill as potentially harmful to Nigeria’s democratic progress. In a televised appeal on Arise Television, Igini urged President Tinubu not to sign the bill, calling it “a recipe for chaos” and a betrayal of the struggles that brought Nigeria to a competitive democratic space. He warned that weakening electronic transmission safeguards could leave room for manipulation, undercutting confidence in election outcomes.
Such dissent underscores the larger debate now gripping the nation, especially among civil society and opposition figures. Critics argue that the amendments fall short of international best practices for electoral transparency and accountability. Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan, a lawmaker and vocal proponent of stronger electoral reforms, has publicly condemned the removal of mandatory real‑time result transmission, calling it a “lethal assault on Nigeria’s democracy”. She urged for stronger safeguards that align with technological advancements and global trends toward transparent elections.
Proponents of the new law, including some in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and supportive legislators, insist that the provisions strike a necessary balance between ambition and practicality. They argue that preserving manual processes as a contingency recognises the realities of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure challenges, especially in rural and underserved regions where reliable internet connectivity cannot be guaranteed.
Notably, the new law also preserves the Independent National Electoral Commission’s discretionary authority over certain key administrative functions, including the manner and timing of result transmission, which INEC is now expected to align with fresh guidelines consistent with the new statutory framework.
Analysts note that this legislative stride comes at a moment of heightened political activity as parties gear up for the 2027 elections. INEC’s recently released timetable for the next general polls signals a compressed campaign and preparation cycle, heightening the stakes for political actors and voters alike.
For many Nigerians, the day’s events resonate beyond legislative procedure and enter the realm of democratic symbolism. According to Dr Akin Olukayode, a governance expert at the Centre for Democratic Development, “How electoral laws are crafted and implemented defines the essence of representation. Elections are not merely contests for power; they are expressions of popular will. Any framework that weakens transparency undermines the social contract between citizens and state.”
As Nigeria enters its next general election cycle under this new legal regime, the country faces profound questions about reform, credibility and political inclusiveness. The path ahead (from INEC’s operationalisation of the law, through legal interpretations in the courts, to the lived experience of voters in 2027) will ultimately determine whether this legislative overhaul strengthens or weakens Nigeria’s democratic foundation.
What remains clear is that in signing the Electoral Act 2026 into law, President Tinubu has set into motion a defining chapter in Nigeria’s electoral history; one that will be intensely scrutinised by scholars, policymakers and citizens at home and abroad.
CLARIFICATION ON RESULT TRANSMISSION FOR FCT AREA COUNCIL ELECTIONS
Following the recent inspection of election readiness in the Kuje, Gwagwalada, and Bwari Area Councils of the FCT by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, the Commission has observed headlines in certain media outlets claiming the chairman confirmed ‘real-time’ transmission of results for the February 21 polls.
We wish to clarify that at no point during his engagement with the press did the chairman use the phrase ‘real-time.’ Such a description is a misrepresentation of his technical explanation of the Commission’s processes.
What the chairman actually said: Responding to questions on whether INEC was experimenting with technology, Prof. Amupitan reiterated that the Commission had a settled protocol for the electronic transmission of results which had been in use since 2022.
He stated, “Since 2022, INEC has been transmitting results… We have BVAS, and BVAS is capable of accrediting and also uploading and transmitting the results. So definitely, the results will be transmitted.”
While the Commission remains fully committed to the electronic upload of scanned Polling Unit results (Form EC8A) to the IReV portal, as mandated by the Commission’s regulations and the Electoral Act, this process occurs after the completion of voting, counting, and the manual signing of results by party agents at the polling units.
The use of ‘real-time’ implies a simultaneous or live feed of votes as they are cast, which is not the procedure provided for in the legal framework.
Given the sensitive nature of election technology in our current national discourse, we urge our partners in the media to be meticulous in their reportage. Misquoting the chairman on technical procedures can lead to unnecessary public agitation and misinformation.
INEC remains 100% committed to a transparent, technology-driven election in the FCT and looks forward to your continued professional coverage of the democratic process.
Ramadan 2026: Let’s Be United, Shina Akanni Urges Muslims.
As Muslims all over the world begins the 30 days compulsory fasting and prayer today,top Fuji Musician Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido has congratulates them for witnessing another month of Ramadan.
Akanni advised them to follow the teachings of the the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which is peaceful co existence among themselves and their neighbor ‘because Islam is Religion of peace”.
He said the month of Ramadan is an holy month therefore Muslims should try as much as they can to maintain peaceful coexistence among themselves and others and that they should see themselves as ambassador of peace.
While praying for Nigeria,Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido said he believes that there will be an economic turnaround soon because what’s is happening now are signs of thought times that never last “if we can pecevere things will get better”.
The Scorpido crooner who recently released a hip hop single titled “Magbelo” said he is currently working on a complete album which will be released before the end of the year.
Aare Sir Shina Akanni Aroworeyin Scorpido whose last album ‘ABCD” is still in hot demand said that his next album will be a pot pouri of all kinds of music because his brand of Fuji music is a blend Fuji , Hip-hop,Apala ,Highlife and others.
Ajiran Youth Protest Over Deaths of Two Residents, Demand Justice
The Ajiran community of Lagos State erupted in a powerful protest on Tuesday as local youths took to the streets to express their grief and anger over the tragic murders of Prince Ademola Akintoye and Sherrif Agboworin. The demonstration follows the recent decision to reopen the murder case, an investigation that has already led to the arrest of over nine suspects in connection with the heinous crimes committed more than a year ago.
Carrying vibrant banners and poignant posters featuring the faces of the deceased, the protesters marched through the heart of their community while singing somber dirges to honor their memory. With chants of unity and justice ringing in the air, they called on both the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Police Command to ensure that those responsible are swiftly and decisively brought to justice.
The youth leaders emphasized that peace and normalcy will remain elusive in Ajiran until all those complicit in the killings are held accountable. They articulated that true justice is the only way to restore tranquility and honor the lives of Akintoye and Agboworin, whom they described as innocent victims of a grave injustice.
Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, youth leader Mr. Kehinde Oladele urged law enforcement to conduct a thorough and fair investigation. He asserted that every individual involved including the nine arrested suspects must face the full extent of the law. Especially Hammed Tajudeen, the principal suspect mentioned by others in custody, whom they believe should not escape scrutiny.
“The reopening of this case after more than a year is a critical first step towards achieving justice and fairness for our brothers,” Oladele said. “We urge the police to get to the root of the matter. Those mentioned during the investigation, especially Hammed Tajudeen, should not be spared.”
The atmosphere in the community grew increasingly tense last week following speculation that prominent businessman Aare Bashir Olawale Fakorede was implicated in the unrest. The speculation appeared to stem from his alleged influence on the reopening of the murder investigation. This misunderstanding escalated when a group of protesters targeted his filling station in Ikate, vandalizing his properties and disrupting business operations in the gas station based on the false assumption that Fakorede was behind the police’s renewed inquiries.
In response to the rising tensions and misinformation, Fakorede’s spokesperson, Ola Muhammed, issued a comprehensive statement denying any connection between Fakorede and the unrest. The spokesperson emphasized that rumors suggesting the businessman orchestrated the revival of the murder case were completely unfounded.
“I feel it is crucial to clarify, for the sake of transparency and historical accuracy, that this entire ordeal is in no way related to me,” Fakorede stated. “I am also very interested to see that the culprits are brought to book. I categorically affirm that I have never been involved in any business dealings with Mr. Hammed Tajudeen.”
Fakorede further elaborated that the recent protests which led to the destruction of his property were reportedly instigated by Tajudeen and others who seem determined to manipulate the narrative and cast suspicion upon him. Fakorede expressed his own strong commitment to uncovering the truth surrounding the deaths.
As the police investigation progresses, it has become increasingly apparent that all accusing fingers are pointing to Hammed Tajudeen who is currently evading capture, adding another layer of complexity and urgency to the ongoing situation. Community members have questioned why he remains at large instead of submitting himself to the police for questioning if he is truly innocent of the allegations against him.
Community leaders are now emphasizing the need for dialogue to address the root causes of the unrest and work toward restoring harmony within Ajiran, even as the demand for justice remains at the forefront of public consciousness.
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