President Bola Tinubu signed amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act into law today, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, emphasizing that the changes focus on improving electoral processes rather than serving political interests.
In a statement, Tinubu described the reforms as a necessary evolution following lessons from past election cycles.
“After every election cycle, we owe Nigerians an honest look at what worked and what must work better. That is how serious democracies behave, and our laws must grow with experience,” he said.
Tinubu statement, however, was coming amidst huge protests by a good number of Nigerians who call for mandatory real-time electronic transmission, arguing that it is essential to improving the transparency and credibility of elections.
The version actually being signed by the president had sparked nationwide protests, including the Occupy National Assembly demonstration in Abuja. Civil society groups, opposition parties, and high-profile political figures such as Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi joined the calls for mandatory real-time electronic transmission. To them, it’s only real-time electronic transmission that essential to improving the transparency and credibility of elections.
Nonetheless, Tinubu while signing the controversial version, highlighted that the amendments aim to close procedural gaps, enhance clarity for election officials and participants, and build public trust. “These amendments are not about politics. They are about process,” Tinubu stressed.
He added that Nigerians should enter polling units with confidence and accept declared results as trustworthy - outcomes built deliberately through stronger systems.
Tinubu praised the National Assembly for its cooperation, calling it a display of national responsibility. “Our responsibility remains to keep improving the system so that the people’s will is expressed clearly, peacefully, and credibly,” he noted.
He affirmed that efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy will continue without relenting.
The signing incidentally, comes amid ongoing discussions about electoral integrity.
Below is text of Tinubu’ message as he signed the amended act into law:
“After every election cycle, we owe Nigerians an honest look at what worked and what must work better. That is how serious democracies behave, and our laws must grow with experience.
“Today, I signed the final amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act into law.
“These amendments are not about politics. They are about process. They are about closing gaps, strengthening procedures, and providing greater clarity to those who conduct and participate in our elections.
“When citizens walk into a polling unit, they must do so with confidence. When results are declared, they must be trusted. That confidence is built deliberately, and not by chance.
“I sincerely thank the National Assembly for its cooperation and sense of national responsibility in bringing this process to a successful conclusion. Our responsibility remains to keep improving the system so that the people’s will is expressed clearly, peacefully, and credibly.
“The work of strengthening our democracy continues, and we shall not relent.
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