Opposition leaders on Thursday pressed the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act 2026, calling the law “anti-democratic” and skewed ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At a press conference in Abuja, National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Ajuji Ahmed, said the law’s provisions should be expunged immediately to protect electoral transparency and the integrity of the vote.
Under the Electoral Act 2022, parties could nominate candidates through direct primaries, indirect primaries conducted by delegates, or by consensus. The 2026 law, signed by President Bola Tinubu on Feb. 18, restricts parties to direct primaries or consensus, shortens campaign periods, and requires funding for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be released six months before elections rather than 12 months.
Ahmed said Section 60(3), which grants presiding officers wide discretion over electronic result transmission, could be used to manipulate election outcomes. He cited former INEC officials and public data showing widespread internet and 2G network coverage across Nigeria, arguing the “no-network” justification was unfounded.
On party primaries, opposition leaders said Section 84 of the act infringes on parties’ constitutional autonomy. Ahmed said indirect primaries allow an orderly and transparent selection process, and that the law should not dictate how parties nominate candidates.
Former APC presidential aspirant Rotimi Amaechi stressed that the real challenge for the opposition was not President Tinubu, but the opposition’s own strategy. Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi criticized the federal government over rising poverty, insecurity, and excessive borrowing, saying Nigeria now has the largest number of poor people in the world outside China and India.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called on opposition parties to unite, warning that a collapse of democracy in Nigeria could affect African democracies.
Other opposition figures at the conference included David Mark, Buba Galadima, Rauf Aregbesola, Bolaji Abdullahi, Senator Dino Melaye, Ralph Nwosu, and former Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke.
Meanwhile, the Senate dismissed the calls for an immediate review. Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu said opposition leaders should submit proposals through legislators, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu warned against “inflammatory rhetoric” that could destabilize the country.
“The power to amend the Electoral Act rests with the National Assembly, not individuals or pressure groups,” Kalu said. “The opposition should stop heating up the polity. If they are not comfortable with the current administration, they should contest against the president in 2027.”
The exchange highlights rising political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties pressing for a review of the electoral framework and the Senate insisting that any changes follow constitutional procedures.
