The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s swift assent to the Electoral Act 2026 within 24 hours of its passage by the National Assembly.
In a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG expressed confidence that it would enable the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) to quickly adopt new provisions in the amended law in conducting the 2027 elections.
It said, “We see the decision by President Bola Tinubu to sign the reworked 2022 Electoral Act into law within a few hours of its passage as a demonstration of political will to ensure an improved electoral process which the new law envisages.
“We are aware that the provision for electronic transmission of election results had been contentious, to the extent that a casual observer of the Nigerian polity could think it is the only key provision of the new law, but like many people, we acknowledge that codifying it in the electoral law is a demonstration of a readiness for a better process.
“So, for the first time, the country’s electoral law would be recognising the use of the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the result viewing portal, IREV, which were just INEC guidelines in 2023.
“And although the 2026 Electoral Act provides for electronic transmission of results from polling units to the IREV, there are also provisions for manual transmission of Form EC8A result sheets as a backup where technology fails.
“Unlike some Nigerians, we do not see anything wrong with the fallback plan but we agree with the President that no matter how beautiful a process is with improved technology, the onus lies on the people manning it to show good faith and ensure that the votes of the people really count at the end of the day.
“There are indeed a lot more provisions in the new law to pave the way for a better electioneering process and these include the one that streamlines party primaries into either consensus or direct primary, as well as the provision for early release of funds to the election management body.
“There is also a reinforced control of over-voting while sanctions for electoral offences including falsification of results are now stiffer.
“In addition, the mandatory notice period for elections was reduced from 360 days to 300 days which now gives INEC the leeway to adjust the timetable for the 2027 election which was to clash with Ramadan next year.”
“And by signing the amendment bill a few days before the Area Council Election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), it is obvious that the President is keen on ensuring that the 2026 Electoral Act takes immediate effect. Nigerians would also have an opportunity to see some of the key provisions of the new electoral law become operational, especially the electronic transmission of results,”
The group further noted that it looked forward to the present INEC management using the new law as a basis for a credible electioneering process that would be more widely acceptable than previous ones.
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