Leaders of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) on Thursday intensified pressure on the National Assembly to amend the recently signed Electoral Act 2026, describing it as anti-democratic and skewed ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At a press conference in Abuja, NNPP National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed argued that provisions in the law, including restrictions on party primaries and discretionary powers granted to presiding officers, threaten electoral transparency and could facilitate manipulation of results.
“The new Electoral Act is anti-democratic, and its implementation will undermine electoral transparency and the sanctity of the ballot,” Ahmed said, stressing that electronic transmission of election results should be mandatory nationwide. He cited data showing over 95% 2G coverage and 159 million internet subscribers, challenging claims that network issues justify delays in results transmission.
Opposition leaders also criticized Section 84 of the Act, which limits party primaries to direct elections and consensus, as an infringement on political party autonomy. Former 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar joined the call for urgent legislative review, warning that Nigeria’s democracy is at risk.
However, the Senate swiftly dismissed the agitation. Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu advised the opposition to pursue concerns through constitutional channels within the National Assembly. Senate Committee Chairman Orji Uzor Kalu warned against inflammatory rhetoric, urging the opposition to focus on contesting elections rather than creating political tension.
The standoff highlights growing pre-election political maneuvering in Nigeria, with the debate over the Electoral Act shaping up as a major flashpoint in the lead-up to the 2027 polls.
