Presidency Defends Electoral Act Amid Opposition Criticism

On February 26, 2026, Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to President Bola Tinubu, issued a statement urging opposition parties, particularly the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), to cease what he described as unwarranted outrage regarding the newly amended Electoral Act. Onanuga accused the opposition of making reckless and spurious allegations against the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government.

He claimed that the opposition was collaborating with civil society groups to misinform the public about the amendments, which he argued were necessary to reflect the electoral realities in Nigeria. Onanuga clarified that the amendments allow for real-time transmission of election results and do not prohibit electronic transmission, countering claims of network glitches.

He also addressed criticisms regarding the reintroduction of direct primaries, stating that the system mirrors practices in the United States and should encourage participation. Onanuga dismissed allegations that President Tinubu intends to establish a one-party state as disorganized and a diversion from the opposition's own shortcomings.