Tinubu Defends Signing of Electoral Act 2026, Says Party Alliances Must Remain Voluntary

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended his decision to sign Nigeria’s Electoral Act 2026 into law, describing the move as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.

The president made the remarks during an interfaith breaking of fast with members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the umbrella body of political parties in Nigeria, at the State House in Abuja.

Tinubu said the legislation was passed with overwhelming support in the National Assembly of Nigeria, noting that refusing assent could have plunged the country into unnecessary political tension and prolonged disputes over the law.

Describing himself as a “die-hard democrat,” the president stressed that Nigeria’s democratic process must always be guided by the rule of law.

He also emphasised that alliances among political parties should remain voluntary in a democratic system, insisting that no political actor should face intimidation or persecution for choosing which political platform or alliance to support.

Tinubu added that political pluralism and freedom of association remain key pillars of Nigeria’s democratic journey.