State House Slams ADC, NNPP Over Criticism of Electoral Act Amendments

February 26, 2026

The Presidency on Thursday accused opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), of spreading misinformation and engaging in what it described as “constant lamentation and unwarranted outrage” over recent amendments to the Electoral Act.

In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the State House dismissed allegations made by opposition figures during a press conference in Abuja, where they criticised President Bola Tinubu and the APC-led Federal Government over changes to the electoral framework.

The Presidency described the claims as “reckless” and “spurious,” insisting that the National Assembly acted within its constitutional powers in amending the Electoral Act to address technical and operational challenges observed in previous elections.

Join our WhatsApp Channel

Defence of Real-Time Transmission and Form EC8A

According to the statement, the amended 2026 Electoral Act provides for real-time transmission of election results but also recognises the possibility of network failures. In such instances, the result recorded on Form EC8A at the polling unit would serve as the valid backup.

The opposition had argued that reliance on Form EC8A could create room for manipulation. However, the Presidency dismissed this position as “illogical,” maintaining that network glitches are a practical reality in parts of the country.

The statement further clarified the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Results Viewing Portal (IReV), stressing that it is not a collation centre but a public viewing platform. It noted that the primary legal document for validating results remains Form EC8.

Direct Primaries and Party Democracy

The Presidency also addressed opposition objections to the inclusion of direct primaries and consensus voting in the amended law.

It criticised parties opposing direct primaries, accusing them of favouring the delegate-based system. The statement argued that direct primaries would strengthen internal party democracy by returning decision-making power to registered party members.

Drawing a comparison with the United States’ presidential system, the Presidency said candidate selection by party members is consistent with democratic norms.

READ ALSO :Atiku Raises Alarm Over Low Turnout in FCT Polls, Accuses Tinubu of Shrinking Democratic Space

Rejection of One-Party State Allegations

Responding to claims that the amendments could pave the way for a one-party state, the Presidency described the accusation as baseless, noting that Nigeria remains a multiparty democracy with more than a dozen registered political parties.

The statement recalled that President Tinubu himself emerged from opposition politics and was part of the coalition that defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

It added that the National Assembly had conducted consultations with stakeholders and technical experts over a two-year period before passing the amendments, countering allegations that public opinion was ignored.

The Presidency concluded that the revised Electoral Act represents an improvement on the repealed law and urged opposition parties to focus on strengthening their internal structures rather than criticising the reforms.

+ posts

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Amanze Chinonye

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

U.S. Commends Nigerian Air Force Ahead of AH-1Z Viper Helicopter Delivery

Featured Stories

Latest from News

Simisola Bolatito Kosoko

Simi: Police to Review Alleged Sexualising Comments About Children

Authorities in Lagos have referred a controversy involving Nigerian singer Simi to the police for preliminary investigation, following the circulation of old social media posts attributed to the artist. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency said it could not ignore
FCCPC Clarifies One-Month Moratorium On Exploitative Pricing Amid Economic Challenges

FCCPC Flags Possible Airline Price-Fixing During 2025 Christmas Season

Nigeria’s consumer protection agency has uncovered evidence suggesting some domestic airlines may have engaged in price fixing during the 2025 Christmas travel rush. In an interim report released Thursday, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) said ticket fares during December

Why Tinubu is Pushing to Establish State Police — Minister

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s push for state police, saying the move is driven by growing security challenges and the limits of the current centralised system. Speaking during a courtesy visit by
Previous Story

U.S. Commends Nigerian Air Force Ahead of AH-1Z Viper Helicopter Delivery

Don't Miss

One Alternative You Can Consider To Launch Your Business Big

One Alternative Way You Can Consider To Launch Your Business Big

Perhaps you’re still asking these rhetorical questions, wondering: What’s all
Why Trump’s Tax Reforms May Reduce Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria

Tinubu Drops France, Awards Military Deal To U.S. Under Trump’s Influence

President Bola Tinubu has overturned an earlier decision to award