Yoruba Union Accuses Tinubu Of Desperation Over 2027, Kicks Against Electoral Act Amendment Allowing Manual Result Transmission

Ikeja, Lagos State– The Yoruba Union, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has accused President Bola Tinubu of being desperate to take over power in 2027  following his signing into law of the Electoral Act (Amendment), which retains a controversial provision permitting manual transmission of election results where electronic transmission fails.

The group strongly objected to Clause 60(3) of the amended Act, which allows reliance on Form EC8A in instances where electronic transmission of results cannot be completed.

According to the Union, the clause opens a dangerous window for manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Union’s Convener, Olusola Badero, and released by its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the group questioned why President Tinubu hurriedly assented to a deeply contentious amendment despite widespread public opposition.

The Union alleged that the National Assembly leadership, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, ignored the yearnings of Nigerians in order to satisfy the President’s request.

“Tinubu is desperate to take over power in 2027. He has no regard for Nigerians’ requests and aspirations,” the statement read.

“Nigeria is for everyone, and no one is more superior than the poor people who elected you into power. You cannot subdue them to humiliation or overlook them simply because you occupy an office that their votes made possible. Yet, you subject them to ridicule.”

The Union said it was unfortunate that, at a time when the rest of the world has embraced digitalisation in electoral processes, Nigerian politicians continue to rely on what it described as outdated methods capable of manipulation.

“In an era when elections across the globe are increasingly driven by technology to ensure transparency, Nigerian politicians still cling to old methods just to manipulate their way back into power because the people are fed up with them,” the group stated.

The Union further condemned the passage of the amendment despite protests by concerned Nigerians who reportedly gathered at the National Assembly complex in Abuja. It alleged that security operatives deployed teargas against demonstrators demanding full electronic transmission of results ahead of the 2027 polls.

“Despite protests and teargas thrown at concerned Nigerians in front of the National Assembly, Akpabio and Abbas went ahead and passed the bill that the majority of Nigerians, both at home and abroad, rejected,” Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá said.

The group questioned whether ordinary Nigerians mean anything to those in power.

“It is unfortunate that people who have no feeling for ordinary citizens are at the helm of affairs. It raises serious questions about whether Nigerians mean anything to these politicians,” it added.

The Yoruba Union accused the Tinubu administration of deliberately ignoring public outcry over electoral transparency.

“Tinubu’s government has no regard for the people of Nigeria. If he did, he would listen to their cries. But because he has chosen to be deaf and blind, he refused to heed the cries of oppressed citizens. Instead, he sent security operatives to teargas them for demanding accountability and transparency on electronic transmission of results ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

The group called on Nigerians to safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and prepare to vote out leaders they believe have failed or humiliated them.

“We call on Nigerians to keep their PVCs safe and use them to vote out all those who have failed and humiliated them, both publicly and privately. Nigerians must use their votes wisely in 2027 to elect competent leaders — people with conscience,” Yoruba Union said.

It also urged for massive resistance against the ruling party, insisting that Nigeria could reclaim its status as the “Giant of Africa” through responsible leadership and credible elections.

“Nigeria can be great again and reclaim its position as the Giant of Africa, but only if the will of the people is respected and protected,” the Union added.