66% of Nigerians Voted Against Tinubu in 2023 — Makinde Seeks Electoral Law Review

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for a review of Nigeria’s electoral system, arguing that a presidential candidate should secure at least 50 per cent plus one of the votes cast to be declared winner.

Makinde made the proposal while unveiling his manifesto, tagged Reset Nigeria Agenda, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

He argued that the current electoral arrangement allows candidates to emerge president without securing the support of a majority of voters, potentially weakening the legitimacy of elected governments.

Makinde referenced the 2023 presidential election, in which President Bola Tinubu won with 8,794,726 votes, representing approximately 36.6 per cent of the valid votes cast.

According to the governor, the outcome showed the need for a system that encourages presidential candidates to build broader support across the country.

He proposed that candidates should obtain at least 50 per cent plus one vote to secure the presidency, requiring political parties to negotiate across regional, ethnic and political divisions.

Makinde said the proposal would not necessarily abolish Nigeria’s multi-party system but would encourage candidates to build wider national consensus before assuming office.

He also argued that a presidential candidate who emerges without majority support could be tempted to seek political alliances after the election, potentially weakening democratic accountability.

The governor’s proposal forms part of a wider reform agenda that includes economic recovery, security reforms, institutional strengthening and constitutional restructuring.

However, the proposal comes as the National Assembly has indicated that it does not intend to review the Electoral Act 2026 before the 2027 general election.

The Senate has maintained that the newly enacted law will remain in force for the forthcoming elections, with any further amendments to be considered after the polls.

Under the existing constitutional framework, a presidential candidate can win by securing the highest number of votes and meeting the required geographical spread, even without obtaining more than half of all valid votes cast.

Makinde’s proposal would therefore require significant changes to the current electoral framework if adopted.