President Tinubu Signs Controversial New Electoral Act 2026 Into Law Amid Protests

President Tinubu has signed the controversial new Electoral Act 2026 into Law amid protests.

 

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that President Bola Tinubu has signed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026 into law, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s electoral reform process.

 

The development follows the passage of the bill by the National Assembly of Nigeria on Tuesday after months of legislative deliberations.

 

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Earlier, the Senate approved the electronic transmission of election results, while retaining manual collation as a backup mechanism to safeguard the integrity of the process.

 

Signing at the State House

 

The President assented to the bill on Wednesday at the State House, Abuja, in the presence of top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila.

 

Speaking after signing the bill, Tinubu described the reform as a significant step toward strengthening democracy and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.

 

“The essence of democracy is to have solid discussions committed to national development and nation-building, which are essential for the stability of the nation,” the President said, stressing the importance of transparency and inclusiveness in the electoral process.

 

Electronic Transmission with Manual Safeguards

 

Addressing debates surrounding electronic transmission of results, Tinubu clarified that while technology will play a key role, human oversight remains central to the process.

 

“For final results, you are not going to be talking to the computer; you are going to be talking to human beings who will announce the final results,” he noted.

 

He emphasized that voting will remain manual at polling units, where voters will cast ballots physically, and results will be counted and sorted manually. The electronic component, he explained, applies primarily to the transmission of results captured on official forms.

 

Tinubu also highlighted concerns about broadband infrastructure and potential cyber threats, stressing the need to prevent glitches, interference, and hacking in the digital transmission process.

 

Boost for Electoral Confidence

 

The new Electoral Act is expected to enhance transparency, reduce disputes, and improve the credibility of elections across Nigeria. By combining electronic transmission with manual collation as a safeguard, the reform aims to balance technological advancement with practical realities.

 

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to democratic consolidation, Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future.

 

“Nigeria will be there. We will flourish. We will continue to nurture this democracy for the fulfillment of our dream for the prosperity and stability of our country,” he said.