PDP Labels Tinubu’s Electoral Act Amendment a Betrayal of Voters

The Peoples Democratic Party has criticized the recent amendment to the Electoral Act 2026, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, calling it a betrayal of democratic principles and voter trust.

The party’s statement came on Wednesday from its National Publicity Secretary, pointing out that the changes weaken provisions for the compulsory electronic transmission of election results from polling units.

PDP said the amendment undermines the will of Nigerians and opens the door to possible manipulation.

The amendment was signed at the Presidential Villa in Abuja shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission released the timetable for the 2027 general elections. The National Assembly had approved the bill a day earlier.

The ruling All Progressives Congress supports the use of technology in elections, but the PDP questioned the move, arguing that the law reduces transparency and limits the autonomy of political parties in conducting primaries.

The party also urged Nigerians, civil society groups, and organized labor to raise concerns over what it described as anti-democratic provisions.

The amendment has reignited debates about the electronic transmission of election results, with some stakeholders calling for a phased or hybrid approach in areas with weak telecommunications infrastructure.

The 2027 elections are scheduled to begin with the Presidential and National Assembly polls on February 20, followed by governorship and state assembly elections on March 6.