Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for swiftly signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law, describing it as a clear demonstration of commitment to deepening democracy and ensuring more credible elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike praised the President for not delaying the assent beyond 24 hours after the National Assembly passed the bill on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
President Tinubu signed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026 into law at the State House, Abuja, in the presence of key officials including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.
Wike highlighted that the prompt passage by the legislature and immediate presidential assent have put an end to what he called "unnecessary protests" from those allegedly preparing excuses for potential electoral defeats.
He emphasized that democracy remains a work-in-progress, stating: “Democracy has always been a work-in-progress, as it has continuously evolved by always looking into the Electoral Act with a view to strengthening our democratic process, it is sure that we will keep getting it better.”
He congratulated President Tinubu and National Assembly members for their roles in fortifying Nigeria's democratic framework, particularly commending the speed of the process:
“I therefore congratulate Mr President and the National Assembly members for playing their roles in this dispensation to make democracy stronger. Particularly, I commend the President for not keeping Nigerians waiting for more than 24 hours before signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law.”
The amendment, which sets the legal framework for upcoming elections including the 2027 general polls, follows extensive debates in the National Assembly.
While specific provisions were not detailed in Wike's statement, the swift enactment has drawn mixed reactions nationwide, with some viewing it as a step toward electoral integrity and others raising concerns over certain clauses.
The development comes shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released its timetable for the 2027 elections.
No immediate comments from opposition parties or civil society groups were referenced in Wike's praise, though broader discourse on the reforms continues.
Further clarifications on the amended Act's key changes are expected from official sources as implementation approaches.
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