Ex-REC Mike Igini Warns Electoral Act 2026 Could Jeopardise 2027 Elections

Former electoral commissioner Mike Igini has sounded the alarm over the Electoral Act 2026, cautioning that some of its provisions could threaten the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

Igini, who has remained vocal on electoral reforms since leaving office, said his detailed review of the law uncovered provisions he described as “dangerous” and capable of enabling manipulation.

He reiterated the importance of credible elections to democracy:

“Free, fair and credible election is the bedrock of democracy… If votes do not count, elections become a mere ritual.”

Key Provisions Under Fire

Among the sections he criticised is Section 63, which allows ballot papers without official authentication to be accepted if a presiding officer is “satisfied” of their authenticity.

Igini warned that such discretionary language could open the door to fraud.

“The re-introduction of such subjective language ‘satisfied’ creates dangerous latitude for arbitrariness.”

He also faulted Section 138 for effectively granting immunity to electoral officials who disregard INEC guidelines, calling it “a clear example of statute sabotage.”

Weakened Accountability

On Section 137, Igini argued that excluding presiding and returning officers from election petitions removes direct accountability for those responsible for handling results.

He added that removing provisions that allowed certified documents to stand without oral evidence could complicate tribunal proceedings and weaken justice.

Implications for 2027

According to Igini, the combined effect of these sections risks undermining electoral integrity in a system already vulnerable to abuse.

“These provisions confer immunity where accountability is essential… they constitute deliberate structural vulnerabilities.”

Way Forward

He called on lawmakers to urgently review and repeal the contentious sections, warning that failure to act could compromise public trust in the 2027 elections.

Igini also urged political parties to uphold transparency and avoid extra-legal tactics, stressing that credibility must begin within party structures.

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