The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has commended President Bola Tinubu for the prompt signing of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law, describing the move as a major boost to Nigeria’s democratic development.
Wike said the President’s swift action reflects a strong commitment to strengthening the credibility of elections and improving the country’s democratic framework.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister said the President’s decision to assent to the bill in less than 24 hours demonstrates efficiency and political will.
According to him, the rapid passage of the bill by the National Assembly and the immediate presidential assent underscore the administration’s resolve to enhance transparency and public confidence in the electoral system.
The FCT Minister noted that the President’s action “demonstrates a firm commitment to making elections in the country more credible.”
Wike also maintained that the speed with which the bill was processed and signed had effectively silenced critics whom he accused of preparing excuses for future electoral losses.
He argued that those raising doubts about the electoral framework would now find it difficult to fault the process, given what he described as proactive reforms by both the executive and legislative arms of government.
Democracy ‘A Work-in-progress’
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, the FCT minister noted that governance and electoral reforms are continuous processes.
“Democracy has always been a work-in-progress, as it has continuously evolved,” Wike said.
He added that consistent review and strengthening of the Electoral Act would ensure steady improvements in the democratic process.
“By always looking into the Electoral Act with a view to strengthening the democratic process, it is sure that we will keep getting it better,” he stated.
While congratulating President Tinubu and members of the National Assembly for what he described as a milestone achievement, Wike particularly praised the President’s promptness.
“I therefore congratulate Mr President and the National Assembly members for playing their roles in this dispensation to make democracy stronger.
“Particularly, I commend the President for not keeping Nigerians waiting for more than 24 hours before signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law,” the statement added.
The minister expressed optimism that the amended law would further consolidate democratic gains and foster greater public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
