Amanze Chinonye
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 ChannelDefence 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.
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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.
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.
