Itodo Critiques New Electoral Law as Rigging Tool

Ezenwa N. Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, criticized the recent assent to the 2026 electoral law, describing it as a "primary tool for election rigging." He pointed out that the law contains provisions that undermine electoral integrity, particularly citing Section 63, which affects the credibility of election results.

Itodo emphasized that the EC8A form, which is a physical result sheet used at polling units, continues to legitimize the declaration of election results despite the introduction of electronic transmission of results. He noted that the new law lacks the legal force to support the electronic transmission of results, contradicting widespread calls for transparency.

Itodo accused the National Assembly of disregarding public opinion during the deliberation of the bill, which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. The passage of this law has sparked significant debate within political and civil society circles as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.