TMSG: President Tinubu’s Swift Assent to 2026 Electoral Act, a Sure Route to Seamless 2027 Polls

TMSG: President Tinubu’s Swift Assent to 2026 Electoral Act, a Sure Route to Seamless 2027 Polls

The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has commended President Bola Tinubu for his swift assent to the 2026 Electoral Act, describing the move as a decisive step toward ensuring seamless and credible 2027 general elections.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and Secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, the group applauded the President for signing the amendment bill within 24 hours of its passage by the National Assembly, noting that the prompt action reflects strong political will to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.

TMSG expressed confidence that the development would enable the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) to immediately begin aligning its operations with the new legal provisions ahead of the 2027 polls.

According to the group, the signing of the reworked 2022 Electoral Act into law demonstrates a clear commitment to improving electoral transparency and credibility.

It noted that while the provision for electronic transmission of election results had generated considerable debate, its codification in the new law signals readiness for a more transparent process.

“For the first time, Nigeria’s electoral law formally recognises the Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV), which previously operated mainly as administrative guidelines during the 2023 elections,” the statement said.

TMSG also highlighted that although the 2026 Electoral Act provides for electronic transmission of results from polling units to IREV, it retains manual transmission of Form EC8A result sheets as a backup in cases of technological failure.

The group maintained that the fallback option should not be viewed negatively, stressing that the integrity of any electoral process ultimately depends on the good faith of those entrusted with its implementation.

Beyond electronic transmission, TMSG identified other key reforms in the new law, including:

Streamlining party primaries to either consensus or direct primaries

Early release of funds to the election management body

Stronger measures against over-voting

Stiffer sanctions for electoral offences, including falsification of results

Reduction of the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days

The group noted that the shortened notice period provides INEC flexibility in adjusting the 2027 election timetable, particularly in light of its potential overlap with Ramadan.

TMSG further observed that the President’s decision to sign the amendment bill ahead of the Area Council Election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) underscores his determination to ensure the immediate implementation of the new law.

It expressed optimism that Nigerians would soon witness key provisions — especially electronic transmission of results — in practical operation.

The group concluded by urging the current INEC leadership to leverage the strengthened legal framework to deliver a more credible and widely accepted electoral process in 2027.