In a significant development regarding election law in Nigeria, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) for allegedly failing to investigate claims of electoral law abuse. This lawsuit, submitted on April 6, 2026, seeks to compel the CCB to look into allegations surrounding the improper removal of electronic transmission provisions from the recently amended Electoral Act.

The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026 was passed by both chambers of the National Assembly in February 2026 and subsequently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. Notably, Clause 60 of the new law makes the electronic transmission of results optional, a change that has raised concerns among various stakeholders.

Additionally, the amended law introduces new requirements for candidates in the upcoming 2027 elections. As many as 50% of candidates may face disqualification due to new tax compliance requirements, which mandate a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) linked to the candidate’s National Identification Number (NIN) and company registration number.

The Nigeria Revenue Service has launched an Integrated Tax Compliance Portal (ITCP) to facilitate the automated verification of TCCs, further complicating the electoral landscape. The Electoral Act also maintains strict 14-day deadlines for pre-election challenges, which could impact the ability of candidates to contest their disqualifications.

Critics argue that the new law disproportionately targets individuals outside the current power structure. An anonymous member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) described the situation as “not transparency; this is a political purge disguised as tax administration.” Meanwhile, Chief Aiyenale Fred Jimoh emphasized that “the era of the politically powerful who operate outside the fiscal system is over.”

Senator Kawu Sumaila remarked, “If you aspire to manage a nation’s resources, you must first demonstrate you are a responsible contributor to those resources,” highlighting the government’s stance on tax compliance as a prerequisite for political participation.

These developments come in the wake of a legislative process that saw alterations to bill provisions without adequate debate or due process, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral framework. The implications of these changes will likely be felt in the upcoming elections, as candidates and parties navigate the new legal landscape.

As the situation unfolds, reactions from various political entities and civil society organizations are expected to shape the discourse surrounding election law in Nigeria. The lawsuit filed by SERAP may serve as a pivotal moment in addressing concerns over electoral integrity and accountability.

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In a recent media chat, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, made a threatening remark regarding journalist Seun Okinbaloye, stating, “If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.” This comment has sparked significant concern among media organizations and advocates for press freedom in Nigeria.

Following Wike’s remarks, the Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) issued a statement threatening to boycott media engagements organized by the minister unless he publicly apologizes to Okinbaloye. The association expressed that such comments could be interpreted as intimidation towards journalists, which is particularly alarming given Nigeria’s current ranking of 122 out of 180 countries on the press freedom index.

Okinbaloye, known for his critical questioning style, responded to Wike’s threats by asserting, “I no dey fear and I no go ever dey intimidated.” His determination to continue asking necessary questions reflects the resilience of journalists in the face of intimidation. The Department of State Services (DSS) has also provided assurances of safety to Okinbaloye amidst the escalating tensions.

Wike later clarified that his comments were hyperbolic and taken out of context, attempting to downplay the seriousness of his statement. However, the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) condemned Wike’s threats and called for an investigation into the matter, emphasizing the need for accountability and protection for journalists.

The incident highlights the broader issue of press freedom in Nigeria, where journalists frequently face threats and violence. In August 2024 alone, 56 journalists were reported to have been assaulted or arrested, illustrating the dangers faced by those in the media. The Nigerian Constitution, enacted in 1999, guarantees the right to freedom of expression and press freedom, yet these rights are often challenged.

The media plays a crucial role in exposing abuses of power and ensuring public accountability. The threat against Okinbaloye serves as a stark reminder of the escalating threats to journalists in Nigeria. As the situation develops, the response from both the government and media organizations will be closely monitored.

As reactions continue to pour in, IBAN expressed hope that Wike would take the necessary corrective action to ensure that normal media coverage can proceed without interruption. The ongoing dialogue surrounding this incident underscores the critical importance of safeguarding press freedom in Nigeria and protecting those who seek to hold power accountable.

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