The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has strongly defended the Electoral Act 2026, accusing former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and several opposition leaders of hypocrisy over their criticisms of the newly signed law.
The minister’s remarks came during a media briefing on Monday, March 2, amid growing public debates over the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly clauses relating to electronic transmission of results and party primaries.
Wike reacted specifically to opposition objections concerning the law’s provision allowing manual transmission of election results in areas where electronic transmission may fail due to poor network coverage.
He argued that critics, including Amaechi, were inconsistent in their positions, highlighting that Amaechi had opposed electronic transmission in previous electoral cycles while serving under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Remember under Buhari, the issue of electronic transmission came up. People like Rotimi Amaechi, who were in government, said, ‘No, don’t sign; if you sign, you lose elections.’
“And this is the same person now coming out publicly to demand electronic transmission, simply because he felt his boss would be affected,” Wike said.
The minister suggested that such double standards undermine public confidence in political debates about the Electoral Act 2026.
According to Wike, the Electoral Act 2026 does not abolish electronic transmission. Instead, it introduces necessary safeguards to ensure that votes are counted even in areas with unreliable network connectivity.
“They did not say there should be no electronic transmission. All they said is that in case it fails, which is likely, let us not disenfranchise people by refusing to count their votes,” he emphasized.
This provision, he argued, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the voting process and ensuring that every citizen’s vote is counted.
The FCT Minister also addressed controversies surrounding the law’s requirement for political parties to adopt direct primaries.
He noted that the reform is intended to curb the influence of powerful individuals and political elites within party structures.
Historically, indirect primaries have allowed governors, ministers, and wealthy political actors to dominate candidate selection processes, often sidelining grassroots party members.
“The adoption of direct primaries is a step toward transparency and fairness,” Wike added.
He criticized opponents for framing these reforms negatively, describing Nigerians as “professional complainants” who previously faulted indirect primaries for concentrating power among party elites and “moneybags.”
Opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), have been vocal in calling on the National Assembly to initiate fresh amendments to what they describe as “all obnoxious provisions” in the Electoral Act 2026.
They argue that certain clauses are “anti-democratic” and could undermine both electoral transparency and public confidence in the voting process.
Experts say the debate over electronic transmission and direct primaries reflects broader tensions in Nigeria’s political landscape, where reforms often challenge established power structures.
While electronic transmission is intended to enhance transparency and reduce manipulation, some political actors remain skeptical, citing technical and logistical challenges.
Wike countered these arguments by noting that the law is forward-looking and prioritizes inclusivity, emphasizing that safeguards like manual transmission are necessary to prevent disenfranchisement in regions with poor network coverage.
The Electoral Act 2026 also signals a shift toward internal party democracy, according to Wike.
By mandating direct primaries, the law aims to give ordinary party members a voice in selecting candidates, rather than allowing outcomes to be dictated by wealthy or influential party figures.
Critics, however, argue that implementing such reforms may be difficult given entrenched political interests and the culture of patronage within parties.
Wike dismissed these criticisms, insisting that structural reforms are essential for long-term democratic consolidation.
As debates over the Electoral Act 2026 continue, stakeholders across Nigeria are preparing for more intense legislative discussions.
Wike warned that opposition parties’ calls for amendments should not undermine the fundamental objectives of the law, which are to improve electoral fairness, strengthen electoral reforms, and ensure that the voting process is credible and inclusive.
“The Electoral Act 2026 is not about political gain for any individual or party. It is about making sure the system works for Nigerians. Transparency, accountability, and fairness must guide our electoral process,” Wike said.
He further emphasized that reforms like electronic transmission and direct primaries are designed to reduce electoral malpractice, increase voter confidence, and promote internal democracy within parties.
The coming weeks are expected to see continued debates over the Electoral Act 2026, particularly as opposition leaders push for amendments and stakeholders assess the law’s practical impact ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Analysts suggest that while the law may face resistance, its implementation represents a significant step toward modernizing Nigeria’s electoral system and enhancing public trust in elections.
By defending the Electoral Act 2026, Wike has positioned himself as a strong advocate for reforms aimed at improving electoral integrity, reducing elite control over political parties, and ensuring that every Nigerian’s vote counts, regardless of geographic or technical challenges.
Ireport247news
