Mike Igini, former Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo and Akwa Ibom states, has raised concerns over provisions in the Electoral Act 2026, warning they could undermine the 2027 general elections. A lawyer by profession, Igini highlighted Sections 47, 51 and 65 as particularly problematic, describing them as "dangerous" structural vulnerabilities. He made the remarks during a presentation at the National Summit of Opposition Political Party Leaders in Ibadan, where he spoke on ensuring free, fair and credible elections.
Igini cited the use of electronic result transmission and the Incident Reporting and Early Warning System (IREV), which he said were successfully used in 105 off-season elections, including five governorship polls, before his exit from INEC. He expressed disappointment that these systems were later sabotaged despite their proven track record. He attributed his return to public commentary to a sense of civic duty after reviewing the 2026 Act.
According to Igini, the re-introduction of wide discretionary powers to presiding, collation and returning officers under the new Act threatens electoral integrity. He referenced a clause stating that acts or omissions by electoral officers not expressly violating the Act cannot be grounds for challenging election results. Igini had previously advocated for the repeal of similar provisions in the 2010 Act, including the original Sections 49, 53 and 68, some of which were amended in 2022.
Mike Igini points to flaws he once fought to remove now reappearing in the Electoral Act 2026, despite his past appeals and their use in 105 successful off-season elections. The same systems that delivered verified results before are now dismissed while compromised reporting structures are reinstated. Nigerians who participated in those prior elections under the old safeguards have reason to question why proven processes are being abandoned. Trust in the 2027 process hinges on whether these reversals will stand.
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