Feb 18 • 20:22 UTC 🇳🇬 Nigeria Punch

LP Reps caucus faults Tinubu’s hurried assent to Electoral Act amendment

The Labour Party caucus in Nigeria's House of Representatives has criticized President Bola Tinubu for hastily approving the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

The Labour Party caucus in the Nigerian House of Representatives has expressed strong disapproval of President Bola Tinubu's quick assent to the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026. The caucus, led by Afam Ogene, highlighted the rapidity of the President's approval as troubling, questioning the lack of adequate scrutiny and debate surrounding the bill. Within the legislative session, there was significant tension, with opposition members walking out in protest against amendments that included provisions for both electronic and manual transmission of election results, which they argue compromises the integrity of the electoral process.

The contention arose during a chaotic plenary session where opposition lawmakers condemned the amendments introduced by the All Progressives Congress (APC), which govern how election results are transmitted. The APC's insistence on allowing manual processes in case of technology failure was met with resistance from the opposition, who demanded a clear pathway for electronic transmission without caveats. This conflict underscores a deepening divide in Nigerian politics regarding electoral reforms and trust in the electoral system.

The reaction from the Labour Party caucus reflects broader concerns about electoral integrity and transparency amid an increasingly polarized political landscape in Nigeria. With the 2026 elections on the horizon, the swift passage of the bill may have significant implications for how future elections are conducted, raising questions about the effectiveness and reliability of the electoral process in Nigeria. The Labour Party's critique of Tinubu's actions signals a call for more democratic engagement and thorough debate in legislative practices.

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