The Federal Government of Nigeria has responded sharply to criticisms from opposition parties over the recently amended Electoral Act 2026, urging critics to stop what it described as “constant lamentation and unwarranted outrage” and focus on strengthening their parties instead of attacking the law.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency accused opposition parties notably the African Democratic Congress and the New Nigeria Peoples Party of making what it called reckless and spurious allegations against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The Presidency defended the amended Electoral Act, recently signed into law by President Tinubu, as a necessary response to challenges in Nigeria’s electoral process.
It said the adjustments, including provisions for real time electronic transmission of results and the use of Form EC8A as a backup in cases of network failure, are aimed at strengthening transparency and credibility.
Onanuga explained that Form EC8A, which allows for manual documentation of results if electronic transmission fails, does not undermine real time uploads but rather provides a safeguard against technical glitches.
He stressed that network challenges remain a reality in many parts of the country.
The statement also clarified the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission, noting that its Results Viewing Portal serves as a public viewing platform, while Form EC8 remains the legally recognised document for the collation and declaration of results
Opposition figures have criticised aspects of the amended law, particularly provisions relating to electronic transmission and party primaries, warning that they could affect transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the Presidency dismissed claims that the law was designed to favour the APC or entrench a one party system, arguing that Nigeria’s multiparty democracy remains vibrant with numerous registered political parties.
On the issue of party primaries, the Government welcomed the shift away from the delegate system in favour of direct and consensus methods, describing it as a move that empowers ordinary party members and reduces opportunities for manipulation.
The Presidency concluded by urging opposition leaders to prioritise internal reforms and organisational development instead of directing what it termed unwarranted outrage at the Electoral Act, maintaining that meaningful democratic progress requires constructive engagement rather than persistent public criticism.
