The Kukah Centre, Yiaga Africa and a coalition of civil society organisations have strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to the Electoral Act 2026, warning that the new law may weaken democratic participation and public trust in the electoral process.
The groups made their position known on Thursday at a press conference in Abuja organised in partnership with the International Press Centre, TAF Africa, Centre for Media and Society, Nigerian Women Trust Fund and Elect Her.
Presenting the coalition’s position, Jake Epelle, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, said although the passage of the bill by the National Assembly and the presidential assent followed constitutional procedures, the process lacked adequate openness and stakeholder engagement.
He described the speed of the legislative process as troubling, noting that limited public scrutiny and consultation could erode confidence in the reform.
“The Electoral Act 2026 was expected to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy,” Epelle said. “However, the manner of its passage and assent raises serious concerns about transparency and responsiveness to legitimate concerns raised by citizens and experts.”
The coalition particularly faulted the provision imposing a N50 million administrative fee for the registration of new political parties under Section 75(6) of the Act. According to the groups, the fee could discourage grassroots movements, youth-led platforms and smaller political associations from participating in the democratic space.
They also expressed reservations over the restriction of party nomination methods to direct primaries or consensus arrangements, arguing that the limitation reduces flexibility and could intensify internal party conflicts and encourage manipulation.
As part of their demands, the coalition urged the National Assembly to immediately publish the final version of the Electoral Act as signed into law to promote legal clarity and public awareness.
The groups further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to issue a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections in line with the new 300-day notice requirement. They also recommended that the commission release comprehensive guidelines clarifying contentious provisions and conduct nationwide simulations of electronic transmission of election results.
Despite their criticism, the coalition reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with relevant institutions, pledging to monitor the implementation of the new electoral framework to ensure it serves the broader interests of Nigeria’s democracy.
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