By Amah
Kindly share:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a sharp rebuke to opposition parties, urging them to stop undermining the 2026 Electoral Act, describing their attacks as a disservice to the Nigerian people.
Speaking on Friday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) 4th Elective National Convention held at Eagle Square, Abuja, Tinubu emphasised that continuous criticism of the law misleads the public and threatens the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system.
“While constructive criticism is welcome, the persistent attacks by opposition groups on the Electoral Act 2026 are harmful to our democracy and misrepresent the intentions behind the law,” Tinubu told party delegates.
The President stressed that the law was not arbitrarily imposed, adding that it was developed through a comprehensive legislative process, which included extensive public participation and scrutiny by the National Assembly.
“It is public knowledge that the amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act underwent rigorous legislative scrutiny, including public hearings,” he said. “The National Assembly, elected by the Nigerian people, approved these amendments in line with the Constitution. Claims that the Act is anti-democratic ignore these safeguards and risk eroding public trust in our electoral system.”
Tinubu framed the Electoral Act as a national instrument designed to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral processes and consolidate democratic governance.
“The Act is a reflection of our collective effort as a nation to reinforce credible elections, and it should not be twisted for partisan purposes,” he noted.
His comments come amid rising political tension, with opposition parties criticising defections to the ruling APC and suggesting that recent political developments could weaken democratic competition.
Tinubu dismissed such claims as deliberate distortions, reiterating that Nigeria’s democracy requires accurate information and constructive engagement, not partisan misrepresentation.
“Democracy thrives on accountability and participation, not on spreading false narratives that undermine national confidence,” the president said.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2026 general elections, Tinubu’s warning underscores his administration’s commitment to democratic principles and the need for all political actors to engage responsibly in public discourse.
