By DAYO ADESULU
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to sign Nigeria’s recently amended Electoral Act into law before the end of February, despite growing nationwide protests and intense public criticism over the controversial changes. This disclosure was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session of the Senate on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Akpabio’s remarks have further heightened political tension across the country, as civil society groups, opposition figures, and pro-democracy activists accuse the National Assembly of deliberately weakening electoral safeguards ahead of future elections.
Senate Moves to Fast-Track Harmonisation Process
Speaking during plenary, Akpabio announced the constitution of a 12-member Senate delegation tasked with harmonising differences between the Senate and the House of Representatives on the amended Electoral Act bills. According to him, the Senate increased the size of its conference committee from nine to twelve members to align with the House of Representatives and accelerate the process.
“We have raised our numbers from nine to twelve to match the figures from our colleagues in the House of Reps,” Akpabio said. “We expect everything to be concluded in the next few days or within a week. The President is expected to sign this into law in February.”
The Senate President’s comments suggest that lawmakers are determined to conclude the amendment process swiftly, despite escalating public resistance.
Public Outrage and Street Protests Intensify
The announcement comes amid mounting public anger over provisions in the amended Electoral Act, particularly those perceived to weaken electronic transmission of election results and other transparency mechanisms.
On Monday, human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, joined protesters at the National Assembly complex in Abuja. The demonstration, organised under the banner of #OccupyNASS by the National Opposition Movement (NOM), drew attention to what protesters described as a systematic attempt to undermine credible elections.
Sowore warned security agencies against using force on peaceful demonstrators and accused the political elite of manipulating electoral laws to retain power.
Sowore: Political Elite Afraid of Transparent Elections
Addressing journalists at the protest ground, Sowore described the removal of key provisions from the amended law as deliberate and calculated.
“This is not new. What has happened is an exposure of what already existed,” Sowore said. “It is shocking that provisions meant to protect the integrity of elections were suddenly yanked away from the Electoral Act that Akpabio and his associates are trying to impose.”
According to him, resistance to transparent electoral reforms stems from fear within the ruling political class.
“These people cannot win free and fair elections,” he stated. “That is why they are afraid of any system that exposes the true will of the people.”
Beyond Result Transmission: Call for Electronic Voting
While much of the public debate has focused on electronic transmission of results, Sowore argued that the issue runs deeper. He said his advocacy goes beyond result transmission and extends to electronic voting itself.
“My preference is not even electronic transmission of results,” he explained. “What gets transmitted is often what has already been manipulated. I am more interested in electronic voting.”
Sowore stressed that Nigerians must collectively defend any system capable of protecting the integrity of their votes, warning that gradual reforms would not address the country’s entrenched political challenges.
Warning to Security Agencies
The activist also issued a stern warning to security operatives, reminding them of their constitutional responsibility to protect citizens rather than suppress dissent.
“It is their job to protect the country, not to attack peaceful protesters,” he said. “If they attempt to assault demonstrators, they are starting something whose end they cannot predict.”
While acknowledging widespread frustration among Nigerians, Sowore urged security agencies to remain professional and impartial.
Political Showdown Looms
Despite the protests and public backlash, Akpabio’s comments signal that the National Assembly is pressing ahead with the amendments. Political observers warn that the push to pass and sign the amended Electoral Act in Nigeria could deepen distrust in the electoral process and widen the gap between the political class and citizens.
As February approaches, the controversy surrounding the amended law is shaping up to be one of the most consequential political battles in recent years, with implications for election credibility, democratic participation, and national stability.
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