Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed concern over the delay in accessing the official copy of the Electoral Act 2026, two weeks after it was signed into law by Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The governor said that despite widespread public discussions about the new legislation, he has yet to see the official document, raising questions about transparency and public access to critical electoral reforms.
Makinde made the remarks on Friday while speaking at the Obafemi Awolowo Lecture 2026 held at Efunyela Hall in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State. The lecture was organised in honour of the late nationalist leader Obafemi Awolowo. According to the governor, public scrutiny of electoral laws is essential for strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring confidence in the country’s electoral process.
Makinde Raise Concerns Over Transparency in Electoral Legislation
Makinde noted that although the Electoral Act has been signed into law and widely discussed in public discourse, the absence of an official copy accessible to the public raises concerns about transparency in the legislative process.
He said that for electoral reforms to have meaningful impact, citizens, policymakers, and political actors must be able to examine the details of the law. Without such access, he argued, it becomes difficult to fully understand the implications of the reforms and to engage in informed debate about the country’s electoral system.
The Governor Makinde emphasised that the availability of legal documents is crucial for accountability and democratic participation. According to him, electoral laws should not remain largely discussed in theory while the actual text remains out of reach for stakeholders who need to study and interpret it.
Makinde Call for True Federalism and National Consensus
During his lecture, Makinde also addressed broader issues relating to Nigeria’s political structure, stressing the importance of achieving a national consensus among the political elite on the need for genuine federalism.
Drawing inspiration from the ideas of Awolowo, he said Nigeria’s long-term development depends on building a federal system that reflects fairness, decentralisation of powers, and effective governance at all levels. Such a structure, he argued, would promote stability and sustainable development across the country.
The Governor Makinde added that the nation’s future progress requires collective commitment from both leaders and citizens. According to him, Nigeria’s current circumstances are largely shaped by decisions made over time, and the country must now adopt policies that prioritise long-term national development.
Security Concerns and the Future of Nigerian Democracy
Makinde also used the platform to highlight the deteriorating security situation across the country. He warned that failure to address the issue decisively could expose Nigeria to prolonged instability similar to the crisis experienced in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He urged Nigerians to shift their focus from short-term political calculations to the broader future of the country. “We should stop thinking about the next election; we should think about the next generation,” the governor said, stressing the need for policies that prioritise sustainable national development.
Makinde reaffirmed his support for a strong multi-party democratic system, noting that democracy thrives when opposition parties are allowed to operate freely and contribute to governance through constructive engagement. He also stated that his administration in Oyo State has been guided by Awolowo’s philosophy of evidence-based governance, which emphasises science, logic, and reliable data in decision-making, particularly in sectors such as education, healthcare, and economic development.
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