By Kayode Olopade
A coalition of more than 80 civil society organisations has commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting prompt presidential assent to the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) Bill, describing the move as a demonstration of his commitment to democratic governance.
The group, operating under the umbrella of the Coalition for Good Governance (CGG), issued the commendation on Wednesday, a day after the President signed the harmonised bill into law. The amendment was passed by the National Assembly of Nigeria on February 17, 2026.
In a statement jointly signed by its leaders, the coalition expressed “delight and appreciation” to the President for signing the bill within 24 hours of its passage, noting that the swift action would provide clarity and direction to stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“By his statesmanly and patriotic action, President Bola Tinubu has once again demonstrated his credentials as a democratic leader whose commitment to the sustenance and progress of Nigeria’s democracy and the interest of her people is sacrosanct,” the statement read.
The coalition said the presidential assent has effectively “set the ball rolling” for electoral stakeholders to align their preparations with the new legal framework guiding the next general elections.
The group also commended both chambers of the National Assembly — the Senate and the House of Representatives — for passing the harmonised version of the amendment bill.
“We are extremely grateful and wholeheartedly commend the Senate and the House of Representatives for hearkening to the yearnings of Nigerians on the harmonised bill, which is now law following the President’s assent,” the coalition stated.
Addressing public debate surrounding aspects of the amendment, particularly electronic transmission of election results, the coalition criticised what it described as “orchestrated attacks, intimidation and campaigns of blackmail and calumny” by individuals it accused of attempting to pressure lawmakers.
The group argued that democracy thrives on dialogue and debate, urging Nigerians to be wary of actors it described as seeking to impose “minority opinions” through public pressure rather than constructive engagement.
“As we count down to the 2027 general elections, we call on Nigerians to be alert to enemies of democracy who may seek to confuse and incite the public,” the statement added. “We must collectively reject any plots capable of endangering our democratic process.”
The statement was endorsed by several civil society leaders, including Nelson Ekujumi, Razaq Olokoba, Gbenga Soloki, Razaq Oladosu, Raheem Ajayi, Uche Nnadozie, Wole Adepoju, Linus Okoroji, Ajayi Popoola, Funmi Olusola, Shola Omolola, Peter Oparah, Gbenga Omage, Abdul-Malik Mohammed, George Oghenebruwe, Margaret Omotunde, Abuka Omobaba Onalo and Kudu Ibrahim.
The Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) Law is expected to shape the regulatory framework for the 2027 general elections, as political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission and other stakeholders begin early preparations.
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