Electoral Act: Osuntokun urges Nigerians to hold INEC accountable

Lagos, Nigeria – A former Presidential Political Adviser, Akin Osuntokun, has called on Nigerians to actively hold the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accountable, following the recent signing of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law by President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during an interactive session in Lagos, Osuntokun expressed concern over the differences between the earlier draft of the Electoral Act and the final version signed into law. He emphasized that citizens must remain vigilant, not just rely on legal frameworks, to ensure transparency and fairness in upcoming elections, particularly the 2027 general elections.

Citizens’ Responsibility in Safeguarding Elections

Osuntokun urged Nigerians to engage in the electoral process at every stage. "It is not enough to pass laws; citizens must monitor, demand transparency, and hold electoral bodies accountable," he said. His remarks highlight the critical role of civic engagement, especially in a country where electoral controversies have historically affected public trust.

He further stressed that political parties, civil society organizations, and ordinary Nigerians should collaborate to observe elections and challenge irregularities where necessary. According to him, this collective vigilance is essential to maintain a credible and trustworthy electoral process.

Key Points of the New Electoral Act 2026

The recently signed Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 introduces significant reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s electoral system. Among the notable provisions:

• Electronic transmission of results is allowed but not mandatory, a compromise following debates in the National Assembly.
• Measures to enhance transparency and reduce election-related violence.
• Stronger penalties for electoral malpractices to deter manipulation and fraud.

While the Act introduces modern mechanisms for election administration, Osuntokun cautioned that law alone cannot guarantee free and fair elections. He insisted that citizens’ oversight remains a cornerstone of democratic accountability.

Reactions Across the Political Landscape

Reactions to the Electoral Act 2026 have been mixed. An APC chieftain in Ondo State described the law as reasonable, noting that optional electronic transmission will help ensure smoother election result processes while allowing flexibility for local arrangements. Nevertheless, Osuntokun reiterated that citizens must remain proactive, stating, "Transparency is not achieved by law alone; it is achieved when Nigerians demand it."

Why Nigerians Must Act Now

The message from Osuntokun is clear: legal reforms are only as effective as the civic engagement that enforces them. With the 2027 elections approaching, Nigerians are encouraged to:

• Monitor INEC activities closely before, during, and after elections.
• Participate actively in voter education and awareness campaigns.
• Use legal channels to challenge irregularities and demand transparency.

These steps are critical for ensuring that every vote counts and that Nigeria’s democracy continues to strengthen.

With collective effort, Nigerians can ensure that the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability are upheld in the nation’s elections.

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