Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ACD) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have urged the National Assembly to reopen the legislative process on the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026, warning that key provisions could weaken electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, February 26, 2026, NNPP National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed called for the removal of what opposition figures described as restrictive and anti-democratic clauses embedded in the new law.
The Electoral Act 2026, signed into law by Bola Tinubu on February 18, narrows the options available to political parties in selecting candidates. Unlike the Electoral Act 2022, which allowed direct, indirect and consensus primaries, the new legislation recognises only direct primaries and consensus arrangements.
The revised law also shortens campaign timelines and compresses schedules for party primaries. Additionally, statutory funding for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is now to be released six months before elections, replacing the earlier 12-month provision.
Ahmed, speaking on behalf of opposition leaders, alleged that the law was enacted with unusual speed and warned that its implementation could erode transparency in the electoral process.
According to him, the amendment to Section 60(3), which grants discretionary authority to presiding officers regarding result transmission, risks undermining electronic transmission from polling units.
He argued that the justification for such discretion, potential network failure, contradicts available data and past electoral experience.
The opposition cited remarks previously attributed to former INEC Chairman Mahmud Yakubu, who had maintained that the BVAS system functions effectively offline and uploads results once connectivity is restored.
They also referenced statements credited to former INEC National Commissioner Festus Okoye affirming the widespread availability of internet access across polling locations.
Ahmed further referenced telecommunications data indicating extensive network coverage nationwide, arguing that technological limitations cannot credibly justify weakening mandatory electronic result transmission.
On party nomination procedures, opposition leaders rejected the restriction of candidate selection methods, describing it as interference in the internal affairs of political parties. They maintained that indirect primaries remain a legitimate democratic mechanism and should not be eliminated through legislation.
“The choice of nomination method should remain the exclusive prerogative of political parties,” Ahmed said, insisting that no constitutional basis exists for limiting parties to only two options.
The opposition demanded that lawmakers immediately initiate a fresh amendment process to review contentious provisions of the Act and ensure that the electoral framework reflects democratic principles and public expectations.
Prominent political figures present at the briefing included ADC National Chairman David Mark, NNPP chieftain Buba Galadima, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Others in attendance were ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and party spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi.
Also present were Dino Melaye, former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, and former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, alongside other stakeholders.
The opposition maintained that only a comprehensive legislative review, undertaken through broad consultation, can restore confidence in Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of the next general election cycle.
