‘Democracy must grow with experience’ – Tinubu on new Electoral Amendments

President Bola Tinubu has signed the final amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act into law, describing the changes as a necessary step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.

Speaking after assenting to the amendments, the President said the reforms were designed to improve electoral procedures and close existing gaps in the system, rather than serve partisan interests.

“These amendments are not about politics. They are about process. They are about closing gaps, strengthening procedures, and providing greater clarity to those who conduct and participate in our elections,” Tinubu said.

He stressed that democratic systems must evolve through continuous review after every election cycle to address shortcomings and build public trust.

“After every election cycle, we owe Nigerians an honest look at what worked and what must work better. That is how serious democracies behave, and our laws must grow with experience,” he stated.

The President emphasized the importance of voter confidence in the credibility of elections, noting that trust in the system must be intentionally built.

“When citizens walk into a polling unit, they must do so with confidence. When results are declared, they must be trusted. That confidence is built deliberately, not by chance,” he said.

Tinubu also commended the National Assembly for its collaboration in finalizing the amendments, describing the process as a demonstration of national responsibility.

“I sincerely thank the National Assembly for its cooperation and sense of national responsibility in bringing this process to a successful conclusion.

“Our responsibility remains to keep improving the system so that the people’s will is expressed clearly, peacefully, and credibly,” he added.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening democratic institutions, saying, “The work of strengthening our democracy continues, and we shall not relent.”

‘Democracy must grow with experience’ – Tinubu on new Electoral Amendments