The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has defended President Bola Tinubu’s assent to the Electoral Act 2026, describing the backlash from opposition groups as politically motivated and detached from the country’s broader national interest.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, the Lagos chapter of the ruling party expressed what it termed “undisguised disappointment” over what it characterised as an orchestrated outcry by sections of the opposition following the President’s approval of the amended legislation.
The party stated that governance is a constitutional responsibility that must be exercised with prudence and accountability, rather than influenced by popularity contests, social media campaigns, or political theatrics.
Opposition parties had raised concerns over specific provisions in the amended Act, particularly regarding the transmission of election results. Critics argued that the new law fails to guarantee real-time electronic transmission, which they consider vital for transparency and credibility in future elections.
However, the Lagos APC rejected what it described as a “romanticised and misleading narrative” surrounding real-time electronic transmission models. According to the party, experiences from other democracies that adopted similar systems have exposed significant challenges, including technological failures, cybersecurity threats, legal ambiguities, and judicial reversals.
The statement cautioned against prioritising political expediency over the long-term stability and integrity of electoral institutions. It also dismissed the notion that opposition parties possess exclusive authority or superior expertise on electoral reform.
“The idea that electoral reform wisdom resides exclusively with the opposition is flawed,” the statement read, adding that the President’s assent followed constitutional procedures, extensive legislative deliberations, and institutional consultations.
The Lagos APC described the President’s action as an exercise of careful judgment rather than a reaction to public pressure. It maintained that reforms must be deliberate, sustainable, and legally defensible, not driven by emotional reactions or social media agitation.
While acknowledging the critical role of opposition in a democratic system, the party warned against what it termed the weaponisation of public sentiment and distortion of policy decisions for political advantage.
It concluded that Nigeria requires reforms that strengthen democratic institutions without exposing them to constitutional, legal, or logistical vulnerabilities, particularly in light of existing infrastructural challenges nationwide.
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