Victor Ogene, representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in Anambra State, has accused President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of forcing a “fait accompli” on Nigerians with the signing of the Electoral Act 2026.
Ogene made the remarks on ARISE Television’s Prime Time on Wednesday, claiming that the timing of the signing left little room for public debate or civil society engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I will start by saying congratulations to the President and APC for forcing a fait accompli on the Nigerian people. I say this with all due sense of responsibility,” he said.
Lawmaker Criticizes Timing
The legislator argued that while Nigerians were aware that the 2027 elections were approaching, the last-minute passage and assent of the bill effectively shut the door on further resistance or input from citizens and advocacy groups.
“Having been signed, that closes the door to any further agitation. In the last few weeks and days, we have been forced to accept the fait accompli,” Ogene added.
He further highlighted that the development coincided with the start of the holy fasting periods observed by both Christians and Muslims, describing it as a “sad day for democracy.”
“On this solemn day that Nigerians on both sides of the religious divide, Christians and Muslims, began their fast, it is a sad day for democracy, and we will remember it as such,” he said.
Ogene’s remarks come amid ongoing debates over the Electoral Act 2026, with civil society organisations and some lawmakers raising concerns about electronic transmission of results, party registration fees, and other provisions ahead of the 2027 elections.
