Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has raised the alarm that two weeks after President Bola Tinubu signed the 2026 Electoral Act into law, he has yet to see an official copy of the legislation.
He raised the alarm on Friday while delivering remarks at the Obafemi Awolowo Lecture 2026 held at Efunyela Hall in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State.
Makinde lamented that despite public discussion about the new law, the document had not been made readily available for thorough public scrutiny.
Makinde, who spoke at the lecture organised in honour of the late nationalist leader, Obafemi Awolowo, stressed that Nigeria’s long-term development would depend on achieving a genuine consensus among the country’s political elite on the need for true federalism.
He said Nigeria’s aspiration for sustainable growth and stability can only be realised through a federal structure that reflects the principles long advocated by Awolowo.
He also urged Nigerians to confront the nation’s challenges with determination, noting that the country’s present circumstances are largely shaped by the collective choices made by both leaders and citizens.
Makinde reaffirmed his support for a vibrant multi-party democratic system, stressing that democracy flourishes when opposition parties are allowed to operate freely and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He further expressed worry about the deteriorating security situation across the country, warning that failure to address the problem decisively could push Nigeria towards prolonged instability similar to the crisis experienced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“We should stop thinking about the next election; we should think about the next generation,” he said.
Makinde added that his administration in Oyo State has drawn inspiration from Awolowo’s philosophy of governance, which emphasises evidence-based decision-making guided by science, logic and reliable data, particularly in key sectors such as education, healthcare and economic development.
