Tinubu Defends Signing of Electoral Act Amendment, Says Decision Driven by Democratic Responsibility

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has defended his decision to sign the controversial Electoral Act amendment into law, insisting that the move was guided by constitutional duty and his belief in democratic governance despite the political controversy surrounding the legislation.

Speaking after approving the amendment at the Presidential Villa in Abuja in February 2026, the president emphasised that his commitment to democratic principles influenced his decision. Tinubu described himself as someone deeply committed to democratic values and national unity, stating that the decision to sign the bill was made within the framework of protecting Nigeria’s political stability and institutional continuity. 

The president’s remarks came at a time of intense national debate over proposed changes to Nigeria’s electoral legal framework. The amendment to the Electoral Act, originally enacted in 2022, was passed by the National Assembly before being transmitted to the president for assent. In Nigeria’s constitutional system, once legislation is passed by both chambers of the National Assembly, the president must either sign the bill into law or decline assent and return it to lawmakers for reconsideration.

Tinubu explained that the broader objective of the amendment was to improve the management of elections and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system. According to him, the credibility of elections depends not only on technology but also on the integrity and effectiveness of the individuals who manage the electoral process. 

During his remarks, Tinubu argued that elections remain fundamentally human-driven processes. Even where digital tools are used, he noted, the final declaration of results is made by designated electoral officials rather than automated systems. He suggested that debates over technological elements such as electronic transmission of results should not overshadow the importance of proper management of the electoral process itself. 

The issue of electronic transmission of results became one of the most controversial aspects of the amendment debate. Many civil society organisations, political parties, and electoral reform advocates had argued that real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units would significantly improve transparency and reduce manipulation. Others raised concerns about Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, including broadband connectivity in rural areas, and whether it could reliably support such systems nationwide.

Tinubu acknowledged these concerns, pointing out that Nigeria’s technological capacity must be realistically assessed before relying heavily on electronic processes. He questioned whether the country’s current digital infrastructure could consistently sustain nationwide real-time result transmission without disruptions. 

The signing of the amendment triggered mixed reactions across Nigeria’s political spectrum. Supporters of the president’s decision argued that the reform was aimed at refining procedures within the electoral system and closing gaps that had previously generated disputes during election cycles. According to this view, the amendments were designed to provide clearer operational guidelines for electoral authorities and political parties.

However, opposition figures strongly criticised aspects of the new law. Several prominent politicians and political leaders warned that certain provisions could weaken transparency in the electoral process. A coalition of opposition leaders—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi—publicly rejected elements of the amended law and called for further revisions. 

The debate intensified further when some political leaders questioned the accessibility of the final legal document after it was signed. Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, said he had not yet seen a copy of the amended Electoral Act despite its importance for future elections. He argued that political stakeholders needed to clearly understand the new legal framework that would govern upcoming polls. 

Supporters of the administration responded that the law had already been gazetted and made available through official government channels, insisting that the amendment was part of a broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Electoral reforms have historically been one of the most contentious aspects of Nigerian politics. Since the country returned to civilian rule in 1999, disputes over election procedures, vote counting, and result transmission have frequently triggered political tensions and legal challenges. Electoral laws therefore play a critical role in shaping public trust in the democratic process.

Tinubu’s decision to sign the amendment also reflects the complex relationship between the executive and legislative branches in Nigeria’s constitutional framework. While the president has the authority to decline assent to legislation, lawmakers can still override that refusal if a sufficient majority supports the bill. In situations where a bill has already gained strong legislative backing, presidents often face pressure to approve it in order to avoid institutional confrontation.

The controversy surrounding the amendment comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s highly competitive electoral environment. The 2023 presidential election, which brought Tinubu to power, was closely contested and attracted scrutiny from both domestic and international observers. Some international monitoring groups later concluded that aspects of the election process fell short of citizens’ expectations for transparency, further intensifying calls for electoral reforms. 

Stone Reporters note that Tinubu’s remarks about being a committed democrat and his assertion that he had “no choice” but to sign the law appear intended to frame the decision as a constitutional obligation rather than a partisan political move. As Nigeria approaches future election cycles, the long-term impact of the amended Electoral Act will likely be judged by whether it strengthens confidence in the country’s electoral system and reduces the disputes that have historically accompanied national elections

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