Tinubu praised for prompt signing of electoral law

A coalition of over 80 civil society and non-governmental organisations, self-determination, and public interest groups under the aegis of the Coalition for Good Governance (CGG) commended President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, for his prompt presidential assent to the harmonised Electoral Act 2026 Amendment Bill, passed by the National Assembly on 17 February 2026.

In a press statement signed by its leaders, the group expressed the delight and appreciation of Nigerians to the President for assenting to the bill within 24 hours of its passage by the National Assembly.

The coalition stated that, through his statesmanlike and patriotic action, “President Bola Tinubu has once again demonstrated his credentials as a democratic leader par excellence, whose commitment to the sustenance and progress of Nigeria’s democracy and the welfare of its people is sacrosanct.”

It further noted that, “By this presidential assent to the Electoral Act 2026 amendment bill, Mr President has set the ball rolling for all stakeholders to be guided in preparation for the 2027 general elections.”

The coalition also expressed gratitude to the Senate and the House of Representatives for passing the harmonised version of the bill on 17 February 2026.

“We are extremely grateful and wholeheartedly commend the Senate and the House of Representatives for heeding the yearnings of Nigerians on the harmonised bill, now a law following the President’s assent.”

“We commend both houses of the National Assembly for standing up for democracy and the people despite orchestrated attacks, intimidation, and campaigns of blackmail by those whose interests threaten our democracy and could plunge the country into unnecessary chaos.”

The coalition called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and not be misled by those masquerading as advocates of free, fair, and transparent elections, but who refuse debates, dialogue, and discussion—critical tenets of democracy—and instead resort to blackmail and calumny to force their minority, irrational opinions on the majority of the conscious and intelligent Nigerian population.

“As we count down to the 2027 general elections, we urge Nigerians to be alert to enemies of democracy who may appear as harmless but seek to confuse and incite citizens, endangering our democracy and society. We must reject their plots, which are destined to fail,” the coalition added.