Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, Others Convene Over Electoral Act

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and other opposition figures on Thursday gathered at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja to discuss and present their position on the amended Electoral Act.

The meeting, held at the Lagos/Osun Hall of the hotel, brought together key political stakeholders concerned about recent changes to the country’s election laws.

Among those present were former Senate President David Mark, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, New Nigeria Peoples Party chieftain Buba Galadima, and the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Rauf Aregbesola.

Other notable attendees included ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, Senator Dino Melaye, former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, and former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke.

The leaders convened to address journalists on provisions of the newly amended Electoral Act 2026 and other pressing national matters.

The law, recently passed by the National Assembly and signed by President Bola Tinubu on February 18, introduced changes to how political parties select their candidates and how election preparations are funded.

Under the earlier Electoral Act of 2022, parties had the option of choosing candidates through direct primaries involving all registered members, indirect primaries conducted by delegates, or consensus arrangements agreed upon by party leaders.

However, the new amendment limits parties to only direct primaries or consensus, removing the option of indirect primaries.

The revised law also shortens the campaign period and timelines for conducting party primaries. In addition, funding for the Independent National Electoral Commission will now be released six months before an election instead of the previous twelve months.

The opposition leaders are expected to make their views known regarding these adjustments and how they may affect political parties and the electoral process ahead of future elections.

Further details from the meeting are anticipated as discussions continue.