Leaders of the African Democratic Congress and the New Nigeria Peoples Party on Thursday mounted fresh pressure on the National Assembly to immediately amend the Electoral Act 2026, describing it as anti-democratic and skewed ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the Senate dismissed the agitation, advising opposition heavyweights including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi to pursue their concerns within the legislative framework.
‘Act Is Anti-Democratic’ — NNPP
At a press conference in Abuja, NNPP National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed said contentious provisions of the new law must be expunged without delay.
Under the repealed 2022 law, parties could adopt direct, indirect or consensus primaries. But the Electoral Act 2026, recently assented to by President Bola Tinubu, restricts parties to direct primaries and consensus options only.
Ahmed argued that this limitation infringes on the constitutional autonomy of political parties and is designed to give the ruling All Progressives Congress undue advantage in 2027.
He also criticised Section 60(3) of the Act, which grants presiding officers discretionary powers regarding electronic transmission of results, alleging it could weaken transparency.
Citing comments previously made by former INEC Chairman Mahmud Yakubu and ex-INEC Commissioner Festus Okoye, Ahmed insisted that network coverage across Nigeria is sufficient to support real-time result transmission.
Obi, Amaechi, Atiku Weigh In
Peter Obi lamented worsening poverty and insecurity, accusing the APC-led Federal Government of heavy borrowing without tangible results.
Amaechi, a former APC presidential aspirant, said the opposition must rethink its strategy rather than focus solely on Tinubu.
Atiku Abubakar warned that a collapse of democracy in Nigeria could destabilise the entire African continent, urging broader unity among opposition parties.
Among those present were ADC National Chairman David Mark, NNPP chieftain Buba Galadima, ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, and former Cross River governor Liyel Imoke.
Senate: Follow Due Process
Reacting, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu dismissed calls for an immediate review, likening it to “aborting a pregnancy after the naming ceremony.”
He said opposition leaders should submit proposals through lawmakers if they have concerns.
Similarly, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu maintained that only the National Assembly has the constitutional authority to amend the law and cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric.
“The opposition should stop heating up the polity,” Kalu said, urging critics to focus on preparing for the 2027 elections instead.
The exchange highlights mounting political tension as parties begin early manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While opposition leaders insist the Electoral Act 2026 must be amended to safeguard transparency and party autonomy, Senate leadership maintains that any changes must follow established constitutional procedures within the legislature.
