Leading opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, are meeting at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja to present their position on the recently passed 2026 Electoral Act.
Also attending are former Senate President David Mark, New Nigeria Peoples Party chieftain Buba Galadima, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola. Other stakeholders include ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, Senator Dino Melaye, former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, and former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke.
The opposition is set to address journalists on contentious provisions of the Electoral Act, including limitations on candidate nomination methods, shortened campaign periods, and revised funding timelines for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Under the 2022 Electoral Act, political parties could nominate candidates via direct primaries, indirect primaries through delegates, or consensus arrangements. The 2026 Electoral Act, assented to by President Bola Tinubu on February 18, now restricts parties to only direct primaries or consensus arrangements.
Additionally, the new law shortens campaign periods and primary timelines, while INEC funding will now be released six months prior to elections instead of 12 months, raising concerns among opposition leaders about the impact on electoral preparedness and party operations.
