Ex-REC Igini Faults 2026 Electoral Act As INEC Defends Compliance

A former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mike Igini, has described the 2026 Electoral Act as a setback to Nigeria’s democratic progress, warning that it could undermine the credibility of future elections.

Igini made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja at the second annual lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies.

He argued that the 2026 amendment had weakened the gains recorded under the 2022 Electoral Act, which he described as one of the most progressive electoral frameworks in Nigeria’s history.

“The current amendment to the Electoral Act is a tragedy for our country. It represents a major regression,” he said. “The 2022 Electoral Act was widely regarded as the most progressive electoral legislation we have had, but it has now been watered down”.

Igini emphasised the importance of the legal framework governing elections, noting that the credibility of any electoral process begins with the laws that guide it. According to him, public perception of neutrality among election managers and stakeholders plays a decisive role in building trust.

“The first question to ask about any election is the legal framework guiding it. The sanctity of the law is critical to election management. Once public perception is compromised, the process is already in danger,” he added.
He also expressed concern over what he described as the growing influence of the judiciary in determining election outcomes, insisting that results should be conclusively decided at polling units rather than in courts.

“I am worried about the expanding role of the courts in deciding who wins elections. The outcome must be determined finally at the polling unit, not in the courtroom,” Igini said.

Despite criticisms trailing the amendment, President Bola Tinubu signed the 2026 Electoral Act into law in February, a move that has continued to generate debate among political stakeholders and opposition parties.

Responding, INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, defended the commission’s position, stressing that strict compliance with the Electoral Act remains the most effective safeguard against post-election disputes and threats to national stability.
“Strict adherence to the Electoral Act is our strongest shield against post-election unrest,” Amupitan said.

He noted that the commission had strengthened its operational and technical frameworks to enhance transparency and prevent manipulation, highlighting the use of the bimodal voter accreditation system and improved results management processes.

Amupitan further underscored the importance of security in the electoral process, describing it as both the “first mile and last mile” of election logistics.

He called for improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration among security agencies through the Consultative Committee on Election Security.

“Security analysis is conducted ahead of every election, while the Nigerian Police also maintain robust risk assessment mechanisms,” he said.

The INEC chairman also raised concerns about declining voter turnout, warning that voter apathy could pose a serious security risk by creating opportunities for non-state actors to delegitimise governance.

He cited statistics showing that voter turnout in the Federal Capital Territory improved from 9.4 per cent in 2022 to 15 per cent, while national participation dropped from 53 per cent in 2011 to 26 per cent in 2023.

“Low voter turnout is not just a civic concern; it is a security risk. It creates narratives that can be exploited to undermine governance,” he warned.

Amupitan added that the 2027 general election would serve as a critical test of Nigeria’s institutional resilience, assuring that INEC remains committed to conducting free, fair and credible polls.

He stressed that credible elections are essential not only for legitimising leadership but also for promoting economic growth and strengthening Nigeria’s global standing.

In his remarks, the President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies, Mike Ejiofor, said credible elections are central to national security and democratic stability.

Ejiofor warned that flawed electoral processes often lead to public discontent, instability and violence, noting that the lecture was convened to foster dialogue and generate ideas aimed at strengthening democracy and sustaining national peace.