The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has raised concerns over the Electoral Act 2026, warning that the removal of indirect primaries is weakening internal party democracy and concentrating political power in the hands of a small group of elites.
IPAC Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, made the remarks during the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) quarterly consultative meeting in Abuja, where he cautioned that the current system of candidate selection was undermining broad participation within political parties.
He explained that indirect primaries had historically served as a stabilising mechanism, allowing delegates to represent grassroots members in selecting candidates, but said their removal had created a vacuum now filled by elite-driven consensus arrangements and costly direct primaries.
According to him, the shift has reduced internal accountability within political parties and increased the influence of wealthy political actors in determining who appears on the ballot.
Dantalle warned that what is emerging is a system dominated by elite control rather than genuine internal democracy, stressing that urgent reforms are needed ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He added that IPAC is ready to work with INEC, the National Assembly, political parties, and civil society groups to restore inclusiveness and strengthen democratic processes within parties.
Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has disowned a lawsuit challenging INEC’s election timetable, stating that the action was filed without the party’s approval.
The party said the suit was instituted by its former National Secretary, Olu Agunloye, who it described as no longer having the authority to represent the party in any legal capacity.
SDP insisted that the case does not reflect its official position and accused Agunloye of acting independently without authorisation from the party’s leadership or relevant organs.
The party further stated that it had formally dissociated itself from all actions connected to the lawsuit, describing the move as improper and disruptive to its internal processes and preparations for future elections.
In a related development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have strengthened collaboration aimed at curbing electoral offences such as vote-buying and financial inducement during elections.
The agencies said the partnership is designed to improve electoral integrity and ensure credible elections, particularly ahead of upcoming off-cycle governorship polls and the 2027 general elections.
EFCC noted that the collaboration with INEC and other stakeholders is part of broader efforts to address financial crimes that threaten democratic processes and public confidence in elections.
The engagement also included discussions on enhanced cooperation with other institutions, including the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), as part of wider stakeholder consultations in Edo State.
