A sharp debate over the integrity of Nigeria’s new electoral framework unfolded in Abuja as former election official Mike Igini described the 2026 Electoral Act as a “tragedy” and a backward step, while Joash Amupitan maintained that strict compliance with the law remains the strongest safeguard against post-election instability.
Both men spoke at the second annual lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies, where electoral credibility, legal frameworks, and national security dominated discussions ahead of the 2027 general election.
Igini argued that the widely praised Electoral Act 2022 had been weakened by new provisions introduced in the 2026 amendment.
“The current amendment to the Electoral Act is a tragedy to our country, a big tragedy. It is a regression.
The 2022 Electoral Act represents the most progressive piece of electoral legislation in our history. Regrettably, that has been watered down by the 2026 Electoral Act.”
He stressed that credible elections begin long before voting day, pointing to the legal framework and public perception of neutrality as decisive factors.
“The first thing you must ask if an election will be credible is the legal framework that will govern it. The sanctity of laws is key to election management. If the perception is wrong, we are in trouble.”
Igini also raised concerns about what he described as the growing role of the judiciary in deciding election outcomes.
“I am worried about the expanding empire of the courts in determining who becomes the winner of elections in our country.
The winner of the election must be determined finally and conclusively at the polling unit and not in the court of law.”
Despite opposition from several stakeholders, Bola Tinubu signed the amended law in February 2026, intensifying debate across political and civil society circles.
Responding from the perspective of election management, Amupitan defended the commission’s reliance on legal compliance and technological safeguards.
“Strict adherence to the Electoral Act is our strongest shield against post-election unrest.
We need your support to refine threat assessments and deployment models so that security operations are precise, preventive, and effective.”
He cited the bi-modal voter accreditation system and INEC’s results management architecture as critical tools against manipulation, describing security as both the “first mile and last mile” of election logistics.
Amupitan also warned that declining voter participation presents its own risks.
“Voter apathy remains a challenge. In the FCT, turnout improved from 9.4 per cent in 2022 to 15 per cent, yet overall, participation has declined from 53 per cent in 2011 to 26 per cent in 2023.
Low turnout is not just a civic concern; it is a security risk, as it creates narratives that non-state actors can exploit to delegitimise governance.”
He said the 2027 general election would test institutional resilience but expressed confidence in the commission’s preparedness to deliver credible polls.
Also speaking, Mike Ejiofor, President of the association, noted that electoral integrity is inseparable from national security, warning that flawed elections often fuel unrest and instability.
A sharp debate over the integrity of Nigeria’s new electoral framework unfolded in Abuja as former election official Mike Igini described the 2026 Electoral Act as a “tragedy” and a backward step, while Joash Amupitan maintained that strict compliance with the law remains the strongest safeguard against post-election instability.
Both men spoke at the second annual lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies, where electoral credibility, legal frameworks, and national security dominated discussions ahead of the 2027 general election.
Igini argued that the widely praised Electoral Act 2022 had been weakened by new provisions introduced in the 2026 amendment.
“The current amendment to the Electoral Act is a tragedy to our country, a big tragedy. It is a regression.
The 2022 Electoral Act represents the most progressive piece of electoral legislation in our history. Regrettably, that has been watered down by the 2026 Electoral Act.”
He stressed that credible elections begin long before voting day, pointing to the legal framework and public perception of neutrality as decisive factors.
“The first thing you must ask if an election will be credible is the legal framework that will govern it. The sanctity of laws is key to election management. If the perception is wrong, we are in trouble.”
Igini also raised concerns about what he described as the growing role of the judiciary in deciding election outcomes.
“I am worried about the expanding empire of the courts in determining who becomes the winner of elections in our country.
The winner of the election must be determined finally and conclusively at the polling unit and not in the court of law.”
Despite opposition from several stakeholders, Bola Tinubu signed the amended law in February 2026, intensifying debate across political and civil society circles.
Responding from the perspective of election management, Amupitan defended the commission’s reliance on legal compliance and technological safeguards.
“Strict adherence to the Electoral Act is our strongest shield against post-election unrest.
We need your support to refine threat assessments and deployment models so that security operations are precise, preventive, and effective.”
He cited the bi-modal voter accreditation system and INEC’s results management architecture as critical tools against manipulation, describing security as both the “first mile and last mile” of election logistics.
Amupitan also warned that declining voter participation presents its own risks.
“Voter apathy remains a challenge. In the FCT, turnout improved from 9.4 per cent in 2022 to 15 per cent, yet overall, participation has declined from 53 per cent in 2011 to 26 per cent in 2023.
Low turnout is not just a civic concern; it is a security risk, as it creates narratives that non-state actors can exploit to delegitimise governance.”
He said the 2027 general election would test institutional resilience but expressed confidence in the commission’s preparedness to deliver credible polls.
Also speaking, Mike Ejiofor, President of the association, noted that electoral integrity is inseparable from national security, warning that flawed elections often fuel unrest and instability.
About The Author
