The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for swiftly assenting to the Electoral Act 2026 within 24 hours of its passage by the National Assembly, describing the move as a decisive step toward credible and seamless elections in 2027.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, the group expressed confidence that the prompt presidential approval would enable the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately begin implementing new provisions contained in the amended electoral framework.
TMSG said the President’s decision to sign the reworked electoral law shortly after legislative approval demonstrated strong political will aimed at improving Nigeria’s electoral process.
According to the group, while debates had largely focused on electronic transmission of election results, the amended law contains several far-reaching reforms designed to enhance transparency and efficiency in elections.
It noted that, for the first time, the electoral law formally recognises the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV), which previously operated mainly as administrative guidelines during the 2023 general elections.
The group added that although the law provides for electronic transmission of results from polling units to the IREV portal, it also retains manual transmission of Form EC8A result sheets as a contingency where technology fails.
TMSG maintained that the fallback option should not be viewed negatively, stressing that the credibility of elections ultimately depends on the integrity of officials managing the process and their commitment to ensuring that votes truly count.
It further highlighted additional reforms introduced by the Act, including the streamlining of party primaries to either consensus or direct primaries, early release of funds to the election management body, strengthened safeguards against over-voting, and stiffer penalties for electoral offences such as result falsification.
The group also welcomed the reduction of the mandatory election notice period from 360 days to 300 days, noting that the adjustment gives INEC greater flexibility in structuring the 2027 election timetable, particularly in avoiding a clash with Ramadan.
TMSG observed that the President’s assent to the amendment bill shortly before the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections underscores his commitment to ensuring the immediate implementation of the new law.
It expressed optimism that Nigerians would soon witness key provisions of the Electoral Act in operation, especially electronic transmission of results, and urged INEC to utilise the legal framework to deliver elections that would enjoy broader public acceptance.
