Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have renewed pressure on the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act 2026, describing it as anti-democratic and biased ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Senate, however, rejected the calls, advising opposition leaders—including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi—to address their concerns through proper legislative channels.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, NNPP National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed said certain provisions of the 2026 law must be removed immediately. He criticised the restriction of candidate nomination to direct primaries and consensus, the shortened campaign timelines, and the new INEC funding schedule, arguing these measures undermine party autonomy and electoral transparency.
Ahmed also condemned Section 60(3), which grants discretionary powers to presiding officers during election result transmission. He cited former INEC officials and the Nigerian Communications Commission to argue that technological infrastructure supports real-time result reporting, and said claims of network failure are being misused to manipulate outcomes.
On party primaries, opposition leaders insisted that indirect primaries remain a legitimate and democratic method of candidate selection, and should not be limited by law. They argued that the Electoral Act 2026 provides the ruling party with legal cover to influence elections.
The opposition also raised concerns about the judiciary, claiming that it has recently been used to undermine democratic processes. Peter Obi highlighted worsening poverty, insecurity, and economic mismanagement under the APC-led federal government, warning that rising hardship threatens the country’s stability. Rotimi Amaechi added that the opposition’s effectiveness depends on their strategy, not solely on President Bola Tinubu. Atiku Abubakar called for broader engagement with foreign observers and emphasized that Nigeria’s democratic trajectory impacts Africa as a whole.
Attendees included ADC National Chairman David Mark, NNPP chieftain Buba Galadima, Senator Dino Melaye, former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, former Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke, and other party officials.
In response, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu urged opposition leaders to submit any proposals through legislators rather than heighten tensions. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu stressed that the power to amend the Electoral Act rests solely with the National Assembly and warned against inflammatory rhetoric that could destabilize the nation.
The exchange reflects rising political tensions as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with the debate over the Electoral Act emerging as a central issue in Nigeria’s pre-election landscape.
