President Bola Tinubu on Friday addressed opposition parties, accusing them of deliberately misrepresenting the Electoral Act for political advantage, even as he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to democratic principles and credible elections.
Tinubu, who spoke at the 4th Elective National Convention of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja, said persistent attacks on the Electoral Act 2026 by opposition groups were misleading and harmful to the country’s democratic development.
“While we welcome criticism, the constant attacks by opposition groups on the Electoral Act 2026 are a disservice to the Nigerian people,” he said before party delegates at the Eagle Square.
Positioning the matter as a critical concern for governance and democratic integrity, the president emphasized that the law was not imposed arbitrarily but rather resulted from a rigorous legislative process that included public input.
He said, “It is public knowledge that the processes leading to the amendment of the 2022 Electoral Act passed through the crucible of legislative scrutiny, including public hearings. The Electoral Act was passed by the National Assembly, elected by the Nigerian people in accordance with the Constitution.”
Tinubu argued that attacks on the law as anti-democratic neglected procedural safeguards and risked weakening public trust in the electoral process.
According to him, the Act represents a national effort to reform election processes and should not be viewed as a vehicle for party posturing.
“The Act reflects our collective quest as a nation to strengthen our electoral system and consolidate democratic rule,” he said.
The president’s statement comes amid heightened political tension and growing accusations from opposition parties that recent political developments, including defections to the ruling APC, could weaken democratic competition.
However, Tinubu dismissed what he described as “deliberate mischaracterization” of both the Electoral Act and his administration’s broader intentions, insisting on constructive criticism—not distortion—for national progress.
Despite a flood of opposition party defections to the ruling party, the president denied that the APC was leading Nigeria into a one-party state.
“Let me reiterate, especially to those who often lament and misunderstand us: we do not seek a one-party state,” said the politician.
He emphasized the value of opposition in a healthy democracy, stating that governance improves when leaders are challenged and held accountable.
“Democracy thrives on vibrant and healthy competition. As a statesman and political leader, I believe in a credible opposition—one that can challenge, question, and help refine policies. That is how statecraft improves, and good governance is achieved,” he added.
Tinubu’s defense comes as the APC consolidates its influence over Nigeria’s political landscape, including the presidency, a majority in the National Assembly, and the majority of state governments.
While critics worry that the number of defections could undermine checks and balances, the president framed the situation differently, portraying it as proof of rising trust in the party’s mission and leadership.
He stated that the influx of new members into the APC in the last two years indicated “the strength of our beliefs and Nigerians’ trust in our party.”
At the same time, he warned against complacency inside the ruling party, emphasizing that political control does not ensure stability or success.
