A founding member of Nigeria’s All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has cautioned opposition politicians against using scaremongering tactics that he warns undermine democratic institutions and deter voter participation. Speaking to journalists in Enugu over the weekend, Okechukwu stressed that negative narratives erode public confidence in elections, ultimately harming democracy itself.
Okechukwu urged opponents to adopt more constructive strategies, referencing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approach of extensive national mobilization and steadfast party loyalty. He noted Tinubu’s decision to step aside for former President Muhammadu Buhari early on as an example of internal democracy and respect for zoning conventions—unwritten agreements that rotate power among Nigeria’s regions. This, Okechukwu argued, demonstrates how political organization can strengthen democratic processes rather than weaken them.
On electoral reform, Okechukwu addressed the proposed Electoral Act 2026. He acknowledged its potential shortcomings but defended it as a significant improvement over the repealed 2022 legislation. Under the 2022 Act, presiding officers were required to transfer results “as prescribed by INEC” without legally mandating electronic transmission. The 2026 Act, however, explicitly mandates electronic submission of polling unit results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s IReV portal after certification, with hand-signed forms serving as a fallback if connectivity fails. This change, he said, moves Nigeria closer to real-time result transmission and enhanced transparency.
Emphasizing that democracy evolves incrementally, Okechukwu highlighted the need for patriotism, patience, and institutional strengthening beyond legal texts. He called on opposition leaders to learn from the APC’s mobilizational efforts and adhere to rotational governance norms instead of resorting to alarmist rhetoric that demonizes democratic systems.
Responding to allegations that the APC is consolidating a one-party state, Okechukwu dismissed them as unfounded. He attributed such claims to anti-democratic elements within the former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leadership, which he accused of violating zoning conventions during the 2022 presidential primary. This breach, he suggested, disrupted long-standing power-sharing practices and fueled current political tensions.
Okechukwu’s remarks arrive amid ongoing debates over Nigeria’s electoral laws and political conduct. With the Electoral Act 2026 pending implementation, his advocacy for reduced scaremongering and greater respect for democratic conventions underscores a broader push for electoral integrity. Analysts note that healthy opposition engagement is crucial for Nigeria’s democratic resilience, and his appeal highlights the importance of all actors fostering public trust as the nation prepares for future electoral cycles.
