Several major Nigerian opposition figures on Thursday publicly rejected the newly-amended Electoral Act 2026, saying the law is offensive and anti-democratic ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Electoral Act guides how elections are conducted in Nigeria, setting rules for result transmission, candidate primaries, and related electoral processes.
President Bola Tinubu signed the 2026 amendment into law after the National Assembly approved changes to the previous 2022 Act.
Nigeria’s next general elections, including presidential and National Assembly contests, are scheduled for January 2027 under the revised electoral timetable.
Opposition leaders from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) held a joint press briefing in Abuja to express their concerns.
They said several provisions in the amended law could weaken transparency and the independence of political parties.
At the briefing, Ajuji Ahmed, national chairman of the NNPP, read a statement on behalf of the coalition that included former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Senate President David Mark, ADC national secretary Rauf Aregbesola, and Buba Galadima.
The leaders specifically rejected provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 relating to Section 60(3), which they said alters the rules for electronic transmission of results, and Section 84, which mandates direct primaries or consensus for nominating party candidates.
In their statement, the coalition said the provisions “undermine electoral transparency and the sanctity of the ballot,” which they described as essential for credible elections.
The opposition leaders called on the National Assembly to reopen and amend the law to reflect Nigerians’ aspirations for free and fair elections. They also said they would use constitutional means to address their concerns.
The rejection by major opposition figures highlights political tensions around electoral reform.
The altered transmission rules and nomination provisions have drawn criticism from opposition leaders who say these changes could affect the transparency and competitiveness of elections.
For political parties, the new nomination requirements in the Electoral Act 2026 could shape how candidates are selected ahead of the 2027 elections. Disagreement over these rules may influence party strategies as campaigns intensify.
For voters, the legal dispute underscores wider debate about electoral credibility and democratic confidence. The opposition’s call for broader review reflects concerns about how electoral laws impact participation and trust in the process.
