Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has accused Rotimi Amaechi and opposition parties of applying double standards in their criticism of the Electoral Act 2026. Wike claimed that Amaechi had previously opposed electronic transmission of results during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, arguing that it could affect electoral outcomes.

The opposition parties, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi, had rejected the Electoral Act 2026, describing it as “anti-democratic” and an attempt to subvert the will of the people in the 2027 general elections. They argued that certain provisions, such as Section 60(3), grant excessive discretionary powers to presiding officers, potentially weakening electoral transparency.

Wike defended the Electoral Act, stating that it does not prohibit electronic transmission of results but provides a safeguard to prevent disenfranchisement in areas with network challenges. He also argued that direct primaries would reduce the influence of wealthy politicians and powerful officeholders in party structures.