2026 Electoral Act criticism deepens as Igini warns of regression while INEC defends strict compliance for credible polls

A former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mike Igini, on Thursday described the 2026 Electoral Act as a tragedy and a major regression capable of undermining credible elections in Nigeria.

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Igini made the remarks in Abuja at the second annual lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies, where the Chairman of INEC, Joash Amupitan, defended strict adherence to the law as essential for electoral stability.

Speaking at the event, Igini said the 2026 Electoral Act criticism stems from what he described as a dilution of the 2022 Electoral Act, widely regarded as one of the most progressive electoral laws in Nigeria’s history.

“The current amendment to the Electoral Act is a tragedy to our country. It is a regression,” he said, warning that the legal framework guiding elections remains central to public trust and credibility.

He stressed that the pre-election stage plays a decisive role in determining the integrity of polls, adding that perceptions of neutrality among electoral stakeholders significantly shape outcomes.

Igini also expressed concern over what he described as the growing influence of the judiciary in deciding election outcomes, insisting that winners should be determined conclusively at polling units rather than in courts.

“I am worried about the expanding empire of the courts in determining who becomes the winner of elections,” he said.

Despite mounting criticism, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the amended law in February 2026, triggering continued debate among stakeholders and opposition groups.

In contrast, INEC Chairman Amupitan maintained that compliance with the Electoral Act remains the strongest safeguard against post-election unrest and threats to national stability.

“Strict adherence to the Electoral Act is our strongest shield against post-election unrest,” he said, noting that the commission has implemented technical safeguards to prevent manipulation.

Amupitan highlighted the use of the bi-modal voter accreditation system and results management processes as key tools for enhancing transparency and reducing electoral fraud.

He also underscored the importance of security planning, describing it as both the “first mile and last mile” of election logistics.

The INEC chairman further warned that declining voter turnout poses a significant risk, noting that participation has dropped from 53 per cent in 2011 to 26 per cent in 2023, despite modest improvements in some areas.

“Low turnout is not just a civic concern; it is a security risk,” he said, cautioning that such trends could be exploited to undermine democratic legitimacy.

Also speaking, the President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies, Mike Ejiofor, emphasised that credible elections are critical to national security and democratic stability ahead of the 2027 general election.

He warned that flawed electoral processes often fuel discontent and instability, stressing the need for sustained dialogue and reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

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The debate over the 2026 Electoral Act continues to intensify, with stakeholders divided over its implications for the credibility of future elections.