President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today reinforced his administration’s commitment to the steady maturation of Nigeria’s democratic processes, asserting that the nation’s electoral framework must continuously adapt to lessons learned from previous cycles.
Following the formal assent to the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026, the President met with key legislative leaders and stakeholders at the State House to discuss the strategic importance of these reforms. He emphasized that democracy is not a static destination but a living system that requires periodic refinement to maintain public trust.
During his address, President Tinubu highlighted that the 2026 amendments are a direct response to the practical challenges observed during the 2023 general elections.
“Democracy is a journey, not a sprint. It must grow with experience. Our goal is to ensure that with every election cycle, the Nigerian people see a more efficient, more transparent, and more reliable process. We are learning from the past to secure the future of our representative government.”
The President noted that the legal recognition of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission protocols are reflections of technological growth necessitated by past hurdles.
By tightening penalties for electoral malpractice and clarifying the “Notice of Election” timelines, the administration aims to eliminate the uncertainty that often breeds voter apathy.
The President reiterated that maintaining the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) as the primary voting instrument ensures a stable transition while the nation continues to modernize its digital identity infrastructure.
The President further clarified that the new amendments are designed to empower, rather than restrict, the electoral umpire. By providing a clearer legal mandate, the government is insulating INEC from legal ambiguities that have historically led to post-election litigation.
The President concluded by urging Nigerian citizens and political actors to view the 2026 Act not just as a set of rules, but as a commitment to the “enduring spirit of Nigerian democracy.” He reaffirmed that his administration remains an ally to the electorate in the quest for a system where every vote is counted and every voice is respected.
