President Bola Tinubu signs Electoral Act Amendment 2026 to clarify electronic transmission as supplementary tool while sparking debate across Nigeria

In a decisive move on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu gave his assent to the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026, making headlines across Nigerian newspapers.

While the President emphasized that the electronic transmission of election results is merely a supplementary tool, it will not replace the traditional manual collation process, sparking both support and controversy.

According to President Tinubu, the amendment is meant to streamline certain processes and enhance transparency, but it stops short of mandating real-time electronic transmission of results, a point that has caused confusion and debate among political analysts and civil society.

Violence Marks APC Ward Congress in Ondo State

The news wasn’t all about legislative developments.

Reports emerged from Ondo State, where violence broke out during the All Progressive Congress (APC) Ward Congress, resulting in two deaths and three injuries, according to the Nigeria Police Force.

The incident has raised concerns about internal party conflicts ahead of the 2027 elections and put the spotlight on the need for security measures during party primaries.

INEC Denies Live Transmission of FCT Area Council Results

Adding to the debate over election technology, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) refuted claims that the results of the February 21 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections would be transmitted live as votes are counted.

INEC stressed that while electronic systems may aid in reporting, they do not replace official verification and manual collation.

This clarification comes as opposition parties and civic organizations continue to raise concerns about potential loopholes and the possibility of manipulation under the new amendment.

Mixed Reactions Across Media Outlets

The reactions in Nigeria’s major newspapers reflect a nation divided on the implications of the Act:

• Vanguard highlighted the President’s stance that electronic transmission is supplementary and not a replacement for manual collation.

• The Guardian noted that while legislative debate has concluded, the signing heightens uncertainty ahead of the 2027 elections, leaving INEC to implement contested transmission rules amid potential legal challenges.

• The Punch led with opposition voices, suggesting that the swift assent is a blow to democracy and could pave the way for electoral manipulation.

• The Nation framed the signing as a step toward “electoral sanity,” viewing it as a continuation of efforts begun with the 2022 Bill.

The Stakes Ahead

While the Act now has legal force, the controversy is far from over.

Analysts predict challenges both in courts and on the streets, as political parties, civil society, and citizens test the new rules in practice.

With electronic transmission still supplemental, questions remain about accountability, transparency, and how disputes will be handled in real-time during elections.

What’s Next?

The next major test of the amendment comes with the FCT Area Council elections on February 21, 2026, and subsequent state-level and national elections leading up to 2027.

INEC will need to implement the new rules carefully, ensuring the public and political actors understand the process.

Meanwhile, security agencies and political parties will have to work to prevent violence like the one in Ondo State from affecting other party congresses or electoral events.

Observers are watching closely to see how the balance between electronic reporting and manual collation will play out, and whether the new rules will indeed strengthen or complicate Nigeria’s democratic process.

Summary

President Bola Tinubu has signed the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026, confirming that electronic transmission of results serves only as a supplementary measure, not a replacement for manual collation.

The move has triggered mixed reactions: some see it as a step toward electoral sanity, while opposition groups and civil society fear it could enable manipulation ahead of 2027.

Meanwhile, violence during the APC Ward Congress in Ondo State, resulting in two deaths, highlights ongoing security challenges.

INEC has denied plans for live transmission of FCT Area Council election results, maintaining its focus on verification and manual collation.