Tinubu: Electoral Act amendment stands
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday rejected opposition calls for further amendments to the Electoral Act. Speaking at the State House, Abuja, during an interfaith dinner for APC National Working Committee
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday rejected opposition calls for further amendments to the Electoral Act.
Speaking at the State House, Abuja, during an interfaith dinner for APC National Working Committee leaders, IPAC executives, Ramadan, and Lent, Tinubu said he had fulfilled his duty by signing the National Assembly’s amendment and would not reopen it.
“Democracy requires accepting lawful decisions, even if they don’t suit your taste.
“The majority has its say and way; the minority has its say but might not get its way. That’s the essence of democracy,” he said.
Tinubu noted he signed without reservations to avoid controversy, given the Act’s overwhelming legislative majority.
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“I had no choice. I submitted to the rule of law. We’ll meet at the polls,” he added.
He urged pursuing competition through debates and elections, not undermining processes.
He said: “We must accommodate one another, ensure peace, stability, and rule of law.”
IPAC Chairman Yusuf Dantalle reiterated opposition concerns over provisions like mandatory ID numbers, removal of indirect primaries, and tight compliance timelines that could disenfranchise smaller parties lacking resources for nationwide direct primaries.
“The timeframe is too close to the election,” Dantalle said, also calling for restored government subventions and a permanent IPAC office.
He reaffirmed IPAC’s commitment, saying: “If government succeeds, it’s to our favour; if it fails, to our detriment. We won’t truncate democracy.”
APC Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda praised the dinner as a unity symbol.
“We differ in politics but share faith,” he said.
He endorsed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for stabilising the economy.
