From Victor Osula Abuja
Major opposition political parties in Nigeria have rejected the newly amended Electoral Act 2026, warning that key provisions of the law could undermine democratic governance, weaken electoral transparency, and erode public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and other prominent opposition figures made their position known on Thursday during a joint press conference held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, where they described the amendment as “ill-timed, dangerous and anti-democratic.”
The meeting brought together an unprecedented alignment of political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Also in attendance were former Senate President and ADC National Chairman David Mark, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, NNPP chieftain Buba Galadima, and Senator Dino Melaye.
Although the amendment was passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on February 18, the opposition parties demanded an immediate fresh review, insisting that several provisions threaten electoral credibility and democratic consolidation.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, NNPP National Chairman Dr. Ahmed Ajuji said the opposition viewed aspects of the new law as attempts to subvert the will of voters and potentially pave the way for a one-party state.
“Therefore, we, as patriotic leaders standing shoulder to shoulder with Nigerians, reject the new Electoral Act,” Ajuji declared.
He specifically criticized Section 60(3) of the Act, which grants presiding officers discretionary powers regarding electronic transmission of election results, arguing that the provision could be exploited to delay uploads to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Results Viewing Portal under the pretext of network failure.
According to Ajuji, available data from the Nigerian Communications Commission shows over 95 percent nationwide 2G network coverage, while the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) operates offline and has previously recorded over 90 percent operational success.
“The premise of network failure used to justify this provision is dubious and inconsistent with reality,” he said, warning that delayed transmission could create opportunities for manipulation of results.
The opposition also faulted Section 84 of the amended law, which limits political parties to direct primaries and consensus methods for candidate nomination, describing it as unconstitutional interference in internal party affairs.
Ajuji argued that indirect primaries remain a legitimate democratic mechanism and accused lawmakers of attempting to destabilize opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections. “The mode of nominating candidates should remain strictly the internal affair of political parties,” he added.
Beyond legislative concerns, the opposition leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, describing the exercise as a troubling indicator of what could occur during future national polls.
They linked declining voter turnout to growing distrust in the electoral system, warning that continued erosion of confidence could deepen voter apathy unless credible reforms are introduced.
The coalition also condemned reported attacks on ADC leaders in Edo State, stressing that political disagreements must never justify violence or loss of lives.
Addressing the gathering, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said the opposition’s position would be formally communicated to diplomatic missions in Nigeria, while urging other political parties to join what he described as a collective effort to safeguard democracy.
“In the end, we must succeed in restoring true democracy in Nigeria. That is what we all fought for,” he said.
ADC National Chairman David Mark questioned the rationale behind altering provisions relating to electronic transmission of results and regulating party primaries, insisting that electoral reforms should strengthen—not weaken—democratic institutions.
Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi urged opposition parties to unite, noting that Nigeria’s political challenges required a stronger and more coordinated opposition front.
Similarly, Peter Obi emphasized collaboration among opposition groups, stating that unity was essential to protecting democratic values and ensuring credible elections.
The opposition leaders also called for comprehensive judicial reforms, arguing that electoral outcomes should be determined primarily by voters rather than court rulings.
They urged the judiciary to reclaim public trust through impartiality and independence.
The coalition vowed to explore all constitutional and legal avenues to challenge contentious aspects of the amended Electoral Act and called on civil society organizations and Nigerians to support efforts aimed at preserving electoral integrity and democratic governance.
