Division Trails Tinubu’s Swift Assent to Electoral Act 2026

ABUJA, NIGERIA — Divergent reactions have greeted President Bola Tinubu’s rapid assent to the Electoral Act 2026, with northern political interests and civil society groups offering sharply contrasting assessments of the development.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) welcomed the president’s decision, describing it as a timely step toward strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of future polls. In a statement, the forum said the move demonstrates political will to improve legal clarity and administrative efficiency within the country’s election management system.

“The prompt assent removes uncertainty and provides institutions with adequate time to implement necessary adjustments before upcoming elections,” the ACF noted, urging stakeholders to focus on effective enforcement of the law.

However, several civil society organizations (CSOs) expressed concern over what they characterized as the speed of the legislative approval and presidential endorsement process. According to the groups, the accelerated timeline limited opportunities for broader consultations and public input on provisions that could significantly shape electoral governance.

Some CSO representatives argued that the process represented a “missed opportunity” for deeper reforms, particularly in areas relating to electoral transparency, dispute resolution, and the deployment of technology.

“We acknowledge the importance of updating electoral laws, but the process must be inclusive and reflective of multi-stakeholder engagement,” one civil society coalition said, calling for sustained dialogue on implementation guidelines.

Analysts say the contrasting reactions underscore persistent tensions between demands for procedural inclusiveness and the government’s emphasis on administrative decisiveness. Legal experts note that the impact of the new law will depend largely on regulatory frameworks, institutional preparedness, and judicial interpretation.

The Electoral Act serves as the principal legal instrument guiding the conduct of elections in Nigeria, covering areas such as voter registration, campaign finance, result management, and electoral offences.

As debate continues, observers stress that successful implementation — rather than the speed of assent alone — will determine whether the legislation enhances electoral credibility and public confidence.