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Mike Igini Urges Tinubu to Reject Electoral Act 2026

Published

8 months ago

February 18, 2026

Mike Igini urges President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent on the Electoral Act 2026, warning it may undermine Nigeria’s democracy

Mike Igini, former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, has called on President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent on the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026, describing it as “a recipe for chaos” that could threaten Nigeria’s democratic process.

Also read: Electoral Act 2026 Rift: More Excuses, More Lies To Legalise Rigging

Igini made the appeal on Wednesday, following the Senate’s passage of the bill, which included controversial provisions under Clause 60 on electronic transmission of election results.

“I humbly recommend to Mr President that you are a man of history. What is put before you, take it back; don’t sign it,” Igini said, urging Tinubu to consider lessons from Nigeria’s democratic struggles, particularly the 2015 elections.

He emphasised the importance of upholding the “might of the people” through credible balloting rather than federal or administrative intervention.

Igini also raised concerns about the judiciary’s historical record in protecting voters’ rights.

“The greatest option that we have is the judiciary that must stand tall and mighty in defence of democracy and the rule of law. Were it not for the judiciary, we would not be where we are today,” he said, adding that courts have often failed to enforce due process in elections.

The former electoral commissioner criticised the Senate for revising Clause 60 provisions, which initially mandated real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units.

He warned that this reversal could undermine transparency and accountability, noting past instances where electoral directives were nullified by the courts.

In previous statements, Igini had cautioned that members of the National Assembly risk losing their mandates if mandatory real-time electronic transmission is not implemented.

He stressed that for democracy to flourish, judicial enforcement of due process and protection of voters’ rights is essential.

The Senate had passed the Electoral Act 2026 after tense deliberations, with opposition from Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe over the fallback mechanism for electronic transmission.

Clause 60(3) was approved by 55 senators, with 15 voting against.

Also read: Reps Reverse Electoral Act Clause in Controversial Vote

Igini’s warning highlights ongoing tensions over electoral reforms and the critical balance between legislative intent, judicial oversight, and the protection of voters’ rights in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.

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Health

Kenya Releases 20 Ebola Contacts After 21 Days in Quarantine

Published

7 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Kenya Ebola contacts: 20 people have been released after 21 days in quarantine without symptoms as health authorities continue outbreak monitoring

Kenya has released 20 people linked to its first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease after they completed 21 days of quarantine without developing symptoms, as health authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak.

Also read: 2027: Shettima Says Peter Obi Has Nothing to Offer Nigerians

The World Health Organisation’s Regional Office for Africa announced the development on Monday, October 26, 2026, saying the individuals had undergone final health assessments and received counselling on precautions and follow-up care where necessary before reuniting with their families.

Kenya’s Director-General for Health, Dr Patrick Amoth, urged communities to welcome the released individuals without stigma.

“We ask communities to welcome them home warmly,” Amoth said. “Having completed 21 days without symptoms, they pose no risk of infection to anyone.”

The WHO said 98 contacts remained in quarantine as of Monday, while eight contacts had developed symptoms and tested positive for Ebola through laboratory tests.

According to the organisation, all eight individuals were already in quarantine when they developed symptoms and were subsequently transferred to the country’s Ebola treatment centre in Nairobi.

Kenya has recorded nine confirmed cases and two deaths since reporting its first imported case on October 6, 2026.

The WHO said all nine cases were linked to the same cluster, with no evidence of wider community transmission at the time of its update.

The organisation said health authorities had traced all 135 contacts, both within Kenya and internationally, by October 22, placing them under quarantine and monitoring.

The WHO continues to support Kenya’s response through coordination, disease surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention and control, screening at points of entry, and public health communication.

The WHO Representative to Kenya, Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, said people who completed quarantine had helped protect their families and communities.

“People who complete quarantine have helped protect their families, their communities and the whole country,” she said.

Kimambo also commended Kenya’s Ministry of Health, the Kenya National Public Health Institute, and national and county health teams for responding to new cases.

The WHO said there was no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, but early detection and supportive medical care could improve the chances of recovery.

It advised against travel restrictions, recommending evidence-based measures such as health screening at entry and exit points, surveillance and contact tracing instead.

Also read: 2027: Shettima Says Peter Obi Has Nothing to Offer Nigerians

Although the release of the first 20 contacts marks progress in Kenya’s response, health authorities continue to monitor those still in quarantine and maintain surveillance to identify any further cases promptly.