Africa: Yiaga Africa to Nass,Others - Release Tinubu-Signed Electoral Act 2026
AllAfrica
March 2, 2026
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A Nigerian civil society organization, Yiaga Africa, has called on the National Assembly to promptly release the Electoral Act signed by President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing that the delay in making the law public undermines public trust in the electoral process. The amended electoral bill was recently passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and signed into law by the president. However, citizens remain uninformed about key provisions of the 2023 Electoral Act, particularly those concerning the hierarchy of election results and electronic transmission.
Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, highlighted during a policy roundtable in Abuja that transparency is critical for public confidence. He pointed out that uncertainty over whether electronically transmitted results or physical copies would take precedence could weaken trust in elections. This lack of clarity, he argued, directly impacts voters’ belief in the integrity and legitimacy of election outcomes.
Mike Igini, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), supported Itodo’s stance. He recalled that electronic transmission of results was successfully piloted as early as 2012 in Cross River State during a governorship election. However, legal constraints, particularly Section 52 of the Electoral Act at the time, hindered wider adoption. Igini criticized resistance to technology, noting that the Supreme Court had previously ruled in favor of legally backing technological tools like card readers. He emphasized that existing legal provisions already empower INEC to adopt appropriate procedures for electronic systems.
Igini also warned against ignoring court decisions and undermining investments in technology, which he said could further damage Nigeria’s electoral credibility. He stressed the importance of leveraging biometric and electronic systems, which have been used successfully in several elections and party primaries. His comments underscored the need for a modernized electoral process that aligns with technological advancements to ensure fair and credible elections.
The release of the signed Electoral Act is crucial not only for transparency but also for setting clear guidelines on the use of technology in elections. As Nigeria prepares for future polls, ensuring public access to the law will help build trust and confidence among citizens. The timely implementation of these reforms will be essential for upholding the integrity of the electoral process and fostering a culture of democracy and accountability in the country.
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Originally published on AllAfrica on 3/2/2026