The Digest:
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) of spreading misinformation about the Electoral Act 2026, describing their criticism as "irresponsible political statements" aimed at attracting headlines and misleading the public. In a statement, Onanuga defended the new law, noting it provides for real-time transmission of election results with form EC8A as backup for network failure, a provision he said addresses "real issues" of technological challenges. He dismissed opposition claims that the manual backup creates manipulation loopholes as "illogical," arguing that network glitches are a reality in parts of the country. Onanuga also defended direct primaries and consensus voting as more democratic than delegate systems, and rejected allegations that President Tinubu is plotting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. He alleged opposition parties are working with CSOs to wage a disinformation campaign against the legislature and administration.
Key Points:
- Onanuga's defence seeks to counter opposition narrative and reassure public.
- It frames the law as improvement closing loopholes opposition sought to exploit.
- Government gains messaging advantage, while opposition accused of disinformation.
- This signals the escalating war of words over electoral framework.
- The timing, after opposition press conference, aims to reclaim narrative.
Sources: TheCable, Presidency/Bayo Onanuga
