#FixPolitics Africa has expressed concern over the passage of a controversial electoral law and the President’s express endorsement of it, allegedly without thoroughly reviewing it.

President Bola Tinubu signed the bill about 24 hours after the House of Representatives jettisoned its earlier stance on real-time electronic transmission for the Senate’s unpopular version, which came with a proviso.

Also, the National Assembly unleashed tear gas-toting security operatives on protesters against the adoption of the Senate version.

Against the foregoing, #FixPolitics urged the executive and legislative arms of government, as well as the police, to respect the will of the people, expressed clearly through peaceful protest and civic engagement.

A statement by the Executive Director of #FixPolitics Africa, Anthony Ubani, noted, “Despite widespread public demand for mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results, a reform seen as essential to credible elections, the National Assembly’s conference committee adopted a weaker version of the law that allows manual collation to override electronic transmission when technology fails. The House of Representatives rescinded its earlier position and aligned with the Senate on the compromise.

“This outcome contradicts the clear and consistent calls from citizens, labour unions, professional groups and civil society organisations for real and unqualified transparency. Pro-democracy activists have maintained that results must be transmitted in real time from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s portal to reduce manipulation and increase public trust.”

Tragically, he lamented that peaceful protests demanding these democratic safeguards were met with tear gas and force by the Nigeria Police Force at the National Assembly.

“And now, the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026, with its controversial transmission clause, has been sent to the President and signed into law just days after it was passed by the National Assembly.

“This sequence of developments — the dilution of key reforms, the suppression of peaceful demonstration, and the swift executive approval of the law — is more than a disregard for citizens’ voices. It is a dangerous signal that democratic process and transparency are being negotiated away. It undermines not only the substance of electoral reform but also the spirit of democratic accountability that citizens entrusted to their elected representatives,” Ubani added.

According to him, when those elected to serve the people begin to act like kings and emperors, issuing opaque decisions with little regard for public demands, they do more than frustrate citizens; they open the doors and windows of distrust and instability in the political system.

#FixPolitics acknowledged the sovereignty of citizens in a democracy while reminding the executive and legislature that “power belongs to the people and can be taken back by the people”; hence, any action citizens choose to take in defence of their right to credible elections, including peaceful mobilisation, legal action and sustained public pressure, would not be illegitimate but a response to a failure of elected leadership to uphold democratic values.

The group also urged the government to recognise that “transparency in election results is not negotiable but foundational to democratic legitimacy” and to engage citizens earnestly in strengthening, not weakening, electoral integrity.

“Nigeria’s democracy thrives not because people fear instability, but because leaders respect accountability. Let this be a moment of reflection for those in power: Democracy is not preserved by the silence of the people, but by the responsiveness of their leaders.

“#FixPolitics stands with Nigerians in defence of fair, transparent and credible elections. It is not too late to change course and do the right thing for Nigeria, Nigerians, and democracy. A stitch in time saves nine,” the statement added.