The All Progressives Congress (APC) has faulted opposition parties over their criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to the amended Electoral Act 2026, describing their reaction as exaggerated and misleading.
Reacting on Thursday, the Lagos State chapter of the APC said the opposition’s response to the President’s decision was rooted in distortion rather than facts. In a statement signed by its spokesman, Mr Seye Oladejo, the party said governance should not be reduced to what it termed “digital propaganda and orchestrated hysteria.”
According to Oladejo, the President’s assent followed due constitutional procedure, including legislative debate and consultations, and should not be portrayed as controversial.
“Governance is not a popularity contest. It is a constitutional responsibility executed in the overall interest of Nigerians,” he said, insisting that reforms must be deliberate and sustainable rather than reactionary.
The APC also dismissed the opposition’s reference to real-time electronic transmission models used in other jurisdictions, arguing that such systems have faced setbacks elsewhere. Oladejo noted that in some democracies where similar mechanisms were introduced, technological failures, cybersecurity risks, legal disputes, and court reversals emerged as major challenges.
He accused opposition figures of presenting “half-truths” to inflame public sentiment and questioned what he described as their claim to superior insight on electoral reforms.
“Electoral reform is not the exclusive preserve of any political bloc. It must be guided by prudence and institutional integrity, not by social media pressure or partisan grandstanding,” he said.
While acknowledging the vital role of opposition in a democratic system, the APC spokesman warned against what he termed attempts to distort facts for political advantage.
“Democracy thrives on credible institutions and responsible leadership. Opposition is essential, but it must not descend into distortion. Governance demands maturity, substance, and a commitment to national interest above partisan narratives,” Oladejo added.