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Nigerian Presidency Defends Electoral Act Amendments, Rejects Opposition Criticism
The presidency on Thursday issued a strong rebuttal to opposition parties regarding their criticisms of the recently amended Electoral Act, dismissing what it termed as “disinformation” about both the legislation and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga released a detailed statement addressing allegations made by opposition figures, particularly members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). According to Onanuga, these claims were deliberately misleading and designed to undermine public confidence in the National Assembly and the current administration.
“The opposition’s characterization of the amended Electoral Act is fundamentally flawed,” Onanuga stated. He specifically addressed concerns about the real-time transmission of election results, a controversial issue in Nigeria’s electoral process that has sparked debates about transparency and the integrity of elections.
Clarifying the provisions of the amended law, Onanuga explained that it does not prohibit real-time transmission of election results as alleged by critics. “The 2026 Electoral Act does not prohibit real-time transmission. It simply stipulates that if transmission fails, the result recorded on Form EC8A shall be deemed valid,” he said, emphasizing that this provision serves as a contingency measure in case of network failure rather than a replacement for electronic transmission.
The presidency also addressed misconceptions about the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) portal, noting that it functions as a platform for public viewing of results rather than an official collation center. This distinction is significant in understanding the legal framework governing Nigeria’s electoral process.
Another contentious aspect of the amended law concerns political party primaries. The presidential spokesperson defended the inclusion of direct primaries and consensus options for selecting candidates, arguing that removing delegate-based primaries would enhance internal party democracy and give ordinary members greater influence in the selection process.
“By eliminating the delegate system, which has been prone to manipulation and monetization, the amended law returns ownership of political parties to their members,” Onanuga explained. This change represents a significant shift in how political parties operate in Nigeria, potentially reducing the influence of money and power brokers in candidate selection.
Responding to allegations that the National Assembly ignored public input, Onanuga described this characterization as false. He highlighted that the legislative body conducted extensive consultations with stakeholders and electoral experts over a two-year period before finalizing the amendments. This deliberative process, according to the presidency, ensured that the revised law reflects broad national interests rather than partisan concerns.
The presidency also forcefully rejected accusations that the Tinubu administration is pursuing a one-party political system. “Nigeria remains a vibrant multi-party democracy with more than a dozen registered parties actively participating in the political process,” Onanuga stated, pointing to the continued existence and operation of opposition parties as evidence.
The amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act come amid ongoing concerns about the country’s electoral system, which has faced challenges including logistical issues, violence, and allegations of manipulation in previous elections. Electoral reform has been a recurring theme in Nigerian politics, with stakeholders across the political spectrum advocating for changes to enhance transparency and credibility.
Onanuga urged opposition parties to cease what he described as “constant lamentation and unwarranted outrage” over the new law, suggesting that their criticisms were motivated by political considerations rather than genuine concerns about electoral integrity.
According to the presidential aide, the amended act strengthens Nigeria’s electoral framework by addressing weaknesses identified in previous elections and closing loopholes that existed in the repealed legislation. These improvements, he argued, would contribute to more credible and transparent elections in the future.
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17 Comments
Allegations of disinformation are serious. I appreciate the presidency providing clarification on the amended Electoral Act. While political debates can get heated, it’s crucial that all sides engage constructively and avoid spreading misleading information.
Ensuring the integrity of elections is critical for Nigerian democracy. I hope the government and opposition can find common ground and work together to address any legitimate concerns about the new legislation.
Ensuring the transparency and integrity of elections is crucial for Nigeria’s democracy. I appreciate the presidency’s response, but would encourage all parties to engage constructively and address any legitimate concerns about the new legislation.
The real-time transmission of results is a complex issue. I hope the government and opposition can find common ground and implement reforms that improve the electoral process while maintaining safeguards against potential abuse.
This is an important issue that deserves a balanced and fact-based discussion. I’m curious to learn more about the specific provisions of the amended Electoral Act and how they impact the transparency and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
The presidency’s response seems aimed at addressing concerns raised by the opposition. It would be helpful to hear more details on how the new legislation addresses issues around real-time result transmission.
Ensuring the integrity of Nigeria’s elections is crucial for the country’s democracy. I hope the government and opposition can move past partisan politics and work together to implement reforms that improve transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.
Accusations of disinformation are serious and should be addressed with facts and evidence. All parties should prioritize the integrity of the democratic process over political advantage.
The real-time transmission of election results is a complex and sensitive issue. I’m glad to see the presidency addressing the opposition’s concerns, but more transparency from all parties would help build public trust.
The presidency’s response seems aimed at addressing the opposition’s concerns, but more transparency from all sides would help build public trust. Ensuring the integrity of elections should be the top priority, regardless of political affiliation.
While political debates can be heated, it’s crucial that all parties avoid spreading misinformation and engage constructively to find solutions that support free and fair elections.
This debate highlights the importance of having clear, well-understood election laws that enjoy broad support. I encourage the government and opposition to engage constructively, prioritize facts, and work together to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
This is a complex and sensitive issue that deserves careful consideration. I appreciate the presidency providing clarification, but would encourage all parties to engage in good faith and prioritize facts over partisan rhetoric.
The amendments to the Electoral Act seem to have sparked a heated debate. It’s important that both the government and opposition provide factual information and avoid rhetoric that could undermine public confidence in the electoral system.
This debate highlights the need for clear, well-understood election laws that enjoy broad support. I encourage the government and opposition to engage in good faith, prioritize facts over partisan rhetoric, and work together to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
This debate highlights the importance of having clear and well-understood election laws. While political disagreements are natural, it’s crucial that all sides engage in good faith and prioritize the integrity of the democratic process.
Accusations of disinformation are serious. I hope the government and opposition can move past partisan rhetoric and work together to ensure the new Electoral Act supports free and fair elections.