Lagos, Nigeria – The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected criticisms following President Bola Tinubu’s assent to the Electoral Act 2026, describing them as politically motivated and disconnected from Nigeria’s national interest.
In a statement on Thursday, APC spokesperson Mogaji Seye Oladejo expressed the party’s “undisguised disappointment” over what it called an orchestrated outcry from opposition groups concerning the amended law.
The Lagos APC argued that governance is a constitutional responsibility that should be exercised with prudence and not driven by social media pressure, popularity contests, or political theatrics.
Opposition parties had raised concerns over provisions of the law, particularly the transmission of election results, suggesting that the amendment does not ensure real-time electronic reporting. The Lagos APC dismissed this as a “romanticised and misleading narrative,” citing experiences from other democracies that faced challenges such as technological failures, cybersecurity risks, legal uncertainties, and judicial reversals.
“The idea that electoral reform wisdom resides exclusively with the opposition is flawed,” the party said, stressing that President Tinubu’s assent followed due constitutional process, extensive legislative debate, and consultations with relevant institutions.
The party maintained that the reforms were prudent and sustainable, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral institutions rather than being reactionary measures influenced by public sentiment or social media trends.
“Democracy thrives on credibility and institutional durability, not noise,” the statement said. “Electoral integrity cannot be built on fragile systems designed more for headlines than long-term stability.”
The Lagos APC called for a focus on reforms that enhance democratic processes without exposing institutions to avoidable constitutional, legal, or logistical risks, particularly given infrastructural challenges across the country.
