Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has raised alarm over the delay in access to the 2026 Electoral Act, noting that two weeks after the President signed the law, he has yet to receive an official copy.
The governor spoke on Friday at the Obafemi Awolowo Lecture 2026, held at Efunyela Hall in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State. He lamented that while public discussions on the new law have taken place, the full document has not been made available for proper scrutiny.
Makinde emphasised that Nigeria’s long-term development depends on achieving a genuine consensus among political leaders on the need for true federalism, echoing the principles long championed by the late nationalist, Obafemi Awolowo.
He urged Nigerians to confront the nation’s challenges with determination, warning that current difficulties are the outcome of collective choices made by both leaders and citizens.
The governor reiterated his support for a vibrant multi-party democracy, stressing that the growth of democracy relies on allowing opposition parties to operate freely and contribute to national development.
Makinde also voiced concern over the worsening security situation across the country, cautioning that failure to address these issues could push Nigeria toward prolonged instability, drawing parallels with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
He concluded by stating, “We should stop thinking about the next election; we should think about the next generation,” and noted that his administration in Oyo State continues to draw inspiration from Awolowo’s governance philosophy, which prioritises evidence-based decision-making guided by science, logic, and reliable data in sectors such as education, healthcare, and economic development.
