…Calls For Its Immediate Amendment
ActionAid Nigeria says it is deeply alarmed and disappointed by the speed with which the newly passed Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
ACTIONAID expressed surprise that in less than twenty-four hours after its passage by the National Assembly, a law that will fundamentally shape Nigeria’s democratic future was assented to without allowing sufficient time for thorough review by relevant statutory institutions, including the Attorney General of the Federation, the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Federal Ministry of Finance, particularly regarding the legal, operational, and financial implications of its implementation.
In a statement signed by the Country Director,Andrew Mamedu said “Such haste did not permit the patience, openness, and broad consultation that legislation of this magnitude demands, adding for context,other significant reforms did not move at this speed.
It highlighted some laws that did not move with such speed: “The Tax Reform Package underwent consolidation in early May and was passed by the National Assembly in late June before assent. The Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act was passed by the Senate in December 2024 and by the House of Representatives in March 2025, before being signed into law in August 2025.”
“These timelines demonstrate that careful legislative progression and executive consideration are both possible and expected.”
ACTIONAID however regretted that when it came to a law that directly governs elections and democratic accountability, the urgency was extraordinary.
This development leaves the troubling impression that the executive and legislature were operating in cohort without regard for broader institutional scrutiny or citizen engagement.
It pointed out that “In matters of electoral reform, careful review by legal authorities, technical institutions, and relevant stakeholders is not optional, but essential.”
The statement added”The appearance that such scrutiny may have been compressed or sidelined only deepens public suspicion and further erodes public trust.”
ACTIONAID further stated that “Even more concerning is the clear disregard for citizen voices, as across the country, civil society organisations, electoral reform advocates, and concerned Nigerians raised substantive issues and proposed safeguards.”
“Their concerns were not frivolous but grounded in the lived experience of past elections and in the collective desire to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system.”
It noted “To see those voices effectively disregarded is disheartening and goes a long way to dent principles of inclusivity, legitimacy and representation in governance.”
ACTIONAID warned that “If this Act proceeds in its current form, the implications are serious. Public trust in electoral processes could further decline into the dark days of authoritarianism. Political tension could deepen. Confidence in democratic institutions will fade away. “
It argued “When citizens begin to believe that electoral rules are shaped without them or against their interests, the legitimacy of future elections becomes vulnerable,stressing No democracy can thrive under such strain.”
The statement further noted” When citizens begin to feel that decisions of national consequence are taken without them, democracy itself is diminished.”
ActionAid Nigeria therefore calls on His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the National Assembly to immediately initiate a process to amend the Electoral Act 2026 so that it genuinely reflects the aspirations and demands of Nigerians.
The pro-poverty agency also stated “We also remind the National Assembly of its constitutional responsibility to represent the people. Its legitimacy rests not in speed of passage, but in loyalty to the public interest.”
It stressed” Nigerians deserve a legislature that scrutinises, debates, and defends democratic integrity with courage. We therefore demand that the National Assembly urgently commence the amendment process to guarantee the unconditional real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units as a non-negotiable safeguard for electoral transparency and credibility.”
It further stressed “This is not a partisan matter. It is a matter of democratic survival and public trust. The credibility of future elections depends on the confidence Nigerians have in the laws that govern them.”
ActionAid Nigeria concluded by saying “will stand with citizens who stand in defense of our demands as they are the true patriots of the nation, adding “We urge Nigerians to remain engaged, vigilant, and peaceful as we defend the democratic principles that belong to us all.”