Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed deep concern over the lack of public access to the 2026 Electoral Act, claiming he has yet to see an official copy of the legislation two weeks after it was reportedly signed into law by the President.
Speaking on Friday at the 2026 Obafemi Awolowo Lecture, held at Efunyela Hall in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, the governor raised an alarm over the transparency of the legislative process. He noted that while the new law has dominated public discourse, the actual document remains shielded from the thorough public scrutiny required in a healthy democracy.
Makinde emphasised that the nation’s long-term development is tethered to achieving a genuine consensus among the political elite regarding true federalism. He argued that sustainable growth and national stability can only be realised through a structure that reflects the foundational principles long advocated by the late nationalist leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
During the lecture, which honoured Awolowo’s legacy, Makinde urged Nigerians to confront current national challenges with renewed determination. He stressed that the country’s present circumstances are a direct result of collective choices made by both the leadership and the citizenry. The governor specifically reaffirmed his support for a vibrant multi-party system, noting that democracy only flourishes when opposition parties are permitted to operate freely and contribute to the national dialogue.
Addressing the worsening security situation across the country, Makinde issued a stern warning against complacency. He suggested that a failure to address these issues decisively could push Nigeria toward a state of prolonged instability, drawing a grim comparison to the historical crises experienced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
"We should stop thinking about the next election; we should think about the next generation," Makinde stated, urging a shift in the political culture. He added that his administration in Oyo State continues to draw inspiration from Awolowo’s philosophy, which prioritises evidence-based decision-making guided by science, logic, and reliable data in sectors such as education and healthcare.
