The former Chairman of Iseyin Local Government Area of Oyo State and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Waheed Adeleke, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the amended Electoral Act 2026 into law, describing the move as a bold and historic step toward deepening Nigeria’s democracy.
President Tinubu on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, assented to the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) Bill at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, following its passage by both chambers of the National Assembly. The new law replaces key provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 and introduces significant reforms, including the recognition of direct primaries.
In a signed statement made available to acrossnigerianews.com on Thursday, Adeleke hailed the President as a game changer whose decisive action has restored genuine political power to the people.
According to him, the recognition of direct primaries in place of indirect primaries marks a turning point in Nigeria’s electoral process, as it allows party members to directly choose their candidates without undue interference.
“This amendment has unequivocally returned power to the grassroots. It will strengthen internal democracy within political parties and ensure the emergence of truly popular candidates who enjoy the confidence of the people,” Adeleke stated.
The former council boss emphasised that the Electoral Act 2026 would enhance transparency, credibility, and fairness in party primaries, thereby reinforcing democratic values across the country.
He advised those individuals who extort money from multiple aspirants to refrain.
“This culture of manipulation and extortion is alien to the progressive ideals. It must stop outrightly. The era of deceiving aspirants and exploiting their ambitions for personal gain is over,” he declared.
Adeleke further stressed that the spirit of the amended Electoral Act would expose and neutralize such exploitative practices, as direct primaries would limit the influence of political middlemen.
Adeleke reaffirmed his commitment to the growth of the APC and called on party faithful to embrace transparency, internal democracy, and accountability in line with the renewed vision of the Tinubu’s administration.
