Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed concern that two weeks after the President signed the 2026 Electoral Act into law, an official copy of the legislation has yet to be made available for public access.
Makinde made the remark on Friday while delivering his address at the 2026 Obafemi Awolowo Lecture held at Efunyela Hall in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State.
The governor said he was worried that despite widespread public discussions surrounding the new electoral law, the actual document had not been made readily available for scrutiny.
According to him, transparency in electoral laws is essential for strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process and ensuring public trust in the country’s political system.
Speaking further at the event organised in honour of the late nationalist leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Makinde stressed that Nigeria’s long-term development depends largely on achieving a genuine consensus among the nation’s political elite on the need for true federalism.
He noted that sustainable growth and political stability could only be realised through a federal structure that reflects the principles long advocated by Awolowo.
The Oyo governor also called on Nigerians to confront the country’s challenges with determination, stating that the nation’s present circumstances are largely the result of collective decisions made by both leaders and citizens.
Makinde reaffirmed his commitment to a vibrant multi-party democratic system, emphasising that democracy thrives when opposition parties are allowed to operate freely and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He also raised concerns about the worsening security situation across the country, warning that failure to decisively address the problem could push Nigeria toward prolonged instability similar to the crisis experienced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“We should stop thinking about the next election; we should think about the next generation,” Makinde said.
The governor added that his administration in Oyo State continues to draw inspiration from Awolowo’s philosophy of governance, which emphasises evidence-based decision-making guided by science, logic and reliable data, particularly in sectors such as education, healthcare and economic development.
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