Mike Igini, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has publicly urged President Bola Tinubu to refrain from signing the recently passed Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026. Igini has labelled the legislation as a potential 'recipe for chaos,' emphasizing that its contentious provisions, particularly those concerning electronic transmission of results, could severely undermine the democratic fabric of Nigeria. He made these remarks during an interview with Arise Television following the bill's passage by the Senate, highlighting the critical importance of ensuring that electoral processes reflect the true will of the people.

Igini's comments underscore a broader concern within Nigeria regarding the integrity of its electoral processes, particularly following the tumultuous elections in previous years. He appealed to President Tinubu's historical role in the struggle for democracy, reminding him of the significant challenges faced during the 2015 elections that aimed to enhance public confidence in electoral outcomes. By referencing this historical context, Igini seeks to invoke a sense of responsibility within the president to safeguard the nation's democratic journey against any regressive legislative changes.

The implications of this debate are significant, as the passage of the Electoral Act could affect how elections are conducted in Nigeria moving forward. Many critics believe that any measures undermining transparent voting processes could lead to increased dissatisfaction among voters and potential political unrest. As the country gears up for future election cycles, the call from figures like Igini highlights an ongoing struggle to ensure that electoral reforms align with the aspirations of Nigerian citizens for free, fair, and credible elections.