Feb 18 • 19:50 UTC 🇳🇬 Nigeria Punch

Why I signed amended Electoral Act — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu explained his rationale for signing the Electoral Act 2026 Amendment, emphasizing the importance of human oversight over technology in ensuring credible elections.

On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu defended his signing of the 2026 Electoral Act Amendment in Abuja, highlighting that the credibility of elections relies more on proper management and human oversight rather than on real-time electronic transmission of results. This statement comes amidst ongoing debates regarding the importance of technology in the electoral process, specifically the live transmission of election results from polling units, which some critics have deemed essential for transparency.

Tinubu emphasized that while technological advancements can enhance the electoral process, the ultimate responsibility for managing elections falls on people. He underlined that to avoid confusion and disenfranchisement, a well-managed election process is crucial for democracy to flourish. His comments reflect a belief that regardless of the systems in place, it is the human element in the electoral process that determines its success or failure.

The President's remarks could have significant implications for future electoral reforms and practices in Nigeria, as they suggest a possible shift away from an over-reliance on technology and a focus on the competencies of those administering the electoral process. This perspective may influence the ongoing conversation about how best to ensure fair and credible elections in the country, particularly in an era increasingly defined by technological integration in governance.

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