Electoral Act: no cause for despair, amendment a continuous process, says PDP caretaker committee
Despite reservations from some quarters, Nigerians have no cause for despair over amendments to the Electoral Act. It is a continuous process that can accommodate other concerns in due course,
Despite reservations from some quarters, Nigerians have no cause for despair over amendments to the Electoral Act.
It is a continuous process that can accommodate other concerns in due course, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Caretaker Committee has said.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Junguda Muhammed, stated that even though they had some reservations, they saw the need to applaud the National Assembly for its efforts on the new Electoral Act 2026.
“The National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) notes the passage of the Electoral Act by the National Assembly of Nigeria and its subsequent assent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“While the party commends the National Assembly and the President for the signing of the Electoral Act, describing it as a significant step in strengthening democracy in Nigeria, the PDP, however, maintains certain reservations regarding aspects of the Act.
“The PDP believes that the evolution of the electoral framework must remain focused on enhancing transparency, fairness, and credibility, while ensuring that the will of the people is respected at all times.
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“We recognise that electoral reforms are a continuous process and a necessary pathway towards strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria; accordingly, the party urges all stakeholders not to be discouraged but to remain committed to further improvements that will deepen public confidence in the electoral process,” he stated.
Commending civil society activists and citizens who have made relevant suggestions towards improving Nigeria’s electoral laws, the party spokesman stressed that PDP strongly believes that through a continuous review process, any shortcoming or areas of concern being noted by various stakeholders can ultimately be addressed.
“The party emphasises the importance of continuous review, constructive engagement, and faithful implementation of electoral laws to ensure that they truly reflect the will of the people and strengthen confidence in the electoral process.
“To mitigate the shortcomings that may exist within this Act, the party advises all Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively participate in the electoral processes. Ultimately, the true safeguard of democracy lies in the collective resolve of the people to ensure that their votes are cast, protected, and counted.
“The PDP finally acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of Nigerians from all walks of life, particularly civil society groups, whose advocacy, engagement, and vigilance continue to play a vital role in shaping and strengthening our democratic process; the party reiterates its commitment to working with all relevant stakeholders to advance reforms that will promote fairness, accountability, and the integrity of elections across the federation,” he added.
ADC threatens to mobilise Nigerians against flawed polls
The Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned that it will mobilise Nigerians toward vigilance, lawful participation, and unity in defence of their constitutional rights following President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the amended Electoral Act into law.
The party said it is ready, willing, and prepared to defend the sanctity of Nigeria’s democracy using every constitutional and lawful means available to it.
In a statement yesterday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed strong concern over the passage of the amendment, cautioning that it could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process and urging citizens to remain alert and engaged.
Criticising the speed with which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the amendment into law, ADC argued that the President “has signed the death warrant on credible elections and by so doing set Nigeria’s democracy back by several decades”.
The party said the haste with which the Bill was approved, despite the ruling party’s control of more than 30 states and a legislative majority, raises questions about the government’s willingness to allow fully transparent and competitive elections.
“At a time when Nigerians across generations and political affiliations are calling for stronger accountability and the full modernisation of our electoral system, it is sad to see a president who likes to boast of his pro-democracy credentials hurriedly approving amendments that fail to improve citizens’ confidence in the electoral process,” the statement said.
The party also faulted the law for introducing ambiguity and permitting excessive discretion in the collation and transmission of results, arguing that it could heighten tension during elections.
“In the absence of firm guarantees of electronic transparency, vigilant citizens may feel compelled to physically safeguard their votes to prevent discrepancies between polling units and collation centres, as has been witnessed in the past,” the ADC said.
The party stressed that the will of the people must prevail, adding: “We stand firm in the belief that the will of the people must prevail and that no law, however hastily enacted, can extinguish the democratic aspirations of a free nation.”
The ADC urged Nigerians, friends of Nigeria, and the international community to recognise the importance of defending democratic norms and rights.
“Moving forward, the ADC affirms in the strongest and clearest possible terms that we are ready, willing, and prepared to defend the sanctity of Nigeria’s democracy using every constitutional and lawful means available to us,” it said.
Yiaga Africa, others to National Assembly: publish final version of Electoral Act 2026
Civil society organisations (CSOs) have called on the National Assembly to promptly publish the final version of the Electoral Act 2026 as signed into law to ensure public awareness, legal clarity, and stakeholder engagement.
The CSOs, which include Yiaga Africa, Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), The Kukah Centre, International Press Centre (IPC), Elect Her, Nigerian Women Trust Fund and The Albino Foundation (TAF Africa), made their position known at a press conference yesterday, in Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday signed the amended electoral bill into law following its passage by both chambers of the National Assembly.
Following the amendment to the Act, the CSOs urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently publish a revised timetable and schedule for the 2027 general election to reflect the 300-day notice.
Speaking on behalf of the CSOs, Founder of The Albino Foundation, Dr. Jake Epelle, noted that certainty in electoral timelines was essential for political parties, candidates, civil society, security agencies, and voters to prepare adequately.
Epelle also urged the commission to publish comprehensive regulations under Section 151, addressing the definition and threshold for INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to “communication failure,” including transparent verification procedures; standards for monitoring, observing, and certifying political party primaries; and disability-inclusive voter registration procedures, ensuring full compliance with constitutional guarantees of equality and inclusion.
He added that regulatory ambiguity at this stage will only invite disputes and litigation later.
Epelle also urged the commission to organise a national simulation exercise of IReV electronic transmission across all 176,866 polling units, with independent observers present.
The CSOs welcomed the passage of sections 18, 9, 62 and 71 (downloadable voter card; disability-inclusive voter registration; and enhanced penalties for result falsification).
“Electoral Act 2026 is now law. It is imperfect. It is incomplete. It leaves dangerous loopholes open and erects new barriers to participation. But it is also the legal framework within which the 2027 elections will be conducted, and it is our responsibility as citizens, media, civil society, etc, to ensure that the elections conducted under this law are credible, transparent, inclusive, and reflective of the will of the Nigerian people,” the CSOs added.
