Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the FCT, has publicly questioned the integrity of the newly signed Electoral Act 2026, revealing that key provisions in the final law differ significantly from what was originally agreed upon during reform deliberations.
Speaking on Arise News Prime Time (April 27, 2026), Kingibe disclosed that she was part of a two-year electoral reform process involving the Senate, House of Representatives, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and civil society groups.
“I was on the committee for electoral reforms for two years. We worked on a document that was acceptable… and came up with something we felt would give us free and fair elections. But now every aspect of that document has been turned upside down.”
She also raised concerns about security features on ballot papers, questioning any suggestion that such safeguards could be removed:
“Since when did we ever conduct an election where INEC ballot papers didn’t have security measures? It’s never happened.”
Kingibe further criticized inconsistencies in the law regarding electronic and digital voting systems, arguing that investing in such technologies without mandating their use undermines electoral credibility:
“Why go to the expense of electronic and digital devices if you say you don’t have to use them? Why bother?”
When asked about the likelihood of amendments, she pointed to Nigeria’s history of urgent legislative changes:
“Once upon a time there was a doctrine of necessity. When there is need for it, things will be amended… If there is enough pressure, it will be.”
