Makinde Calls for Transparency on New Electoral Act

During the 117th posthumous birthday celebration of Obafemi Awolowo, Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, voiced his concerns regarding the new Electoral Act, stating he has not seen a copy of the signed document. He emphasized the importance of the Act in guiding the conduct of future elections in Nigeria.

The Act has faced controversy, with opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, rejecting its legal framework. Other opposition leaders, such as David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, and Peter Obi, have also criticized portions of the amended law as anti-democratic.

Makinde urged the need for the signed Electoral Act to be made publicly available, stating, "I haven’t seen the reality." Otunba Gbenga Daniel, a senator representing Ogun East, responded to Makinde's concerns, assuring that the new Act would be gazetted for public access. Makinde praised Awolowo's contributions to Nigeria's socio-economic and political development and called for politicians to emulate his leadership principles.