Opposition leaders from the African Democratic Congress and the New Nigeria Peoples Party on Thursday in Abuja asked the National Assembly to reopen and amend the Electoral Act 2026, but the Senate rejected the demand and advised them to follow legislative procedures.
The disagreement followed a press conference where key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, pushed back against the newly amended law signed by President Bola Tinubu on February 18.
The opposition leaders said the changes introduced in the 2026 Act could affect the conduct of the 2027 general elections.
They argued that the law limits political parties to direct primaries and consensus in choosing candidates, removing the option of indirect primaries that was allowed under the 2022 Act.
They also pointed to shorter timelines for campaigns and primaries, as well as a reduction in the period for releasing funds to the Independent National Electoral Commission from 12 months to six months before elections.
Speaking on behalf of the group, NNPP National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed said some sections of the law could weaken confidence in the electoral process. He referred to the clause in Section 60(3), which allows presiding officers to act in cases where electronic transmission of results faces network issues.
According to him, past statements by former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu and former INEC Commissioner Festus Okoye indicated that the BVAS system works offline and that polling units have network access.
He also cited data from the Nigerian Communications Commission showing wide 2G coverage and millions of internet users across the country, arguing that poor connectivity should not be a reason to delay result transmission.
The opposition further argued that limiting the modes of party primaries interferes with the internal affairs of political parties. They maintained that parties should be free to decide how to select their candidates without restrictions imposed by law.
Beyond the Electoral Act, the opposition leaders raised concerns about the state of governance, the economy and security.
Peter Obi said poverty levels had risen sharply in recent years and claimed that government borrowing had increased without visible improvement in living conditions. He also spoke about insecurity and the need for opposition parties to unite.
Rotimi Amaechi said the opposition must focus on its own strategy if it hopes to challenge the ruling party in future elections. Atiku Abubakar called for unity among opposition groups and warned that any failure of democracy in Nigeria could affect other African countries.
He also suggested that their concerns about the electoral process be shared widely, including with members of the international community.
In response, the Senate dismissed the demand for a fresh amendment. Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu said anyone with concerns should present proposals through their representatives in the National Assembly. He compared the request to reopening a matter that had already been concluded.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu also said the power to amend the Electoral Act lies with the National Assembly and not with individuals or political groups outside the legislature. He advised opposition figures to pursue change through elections if they are dissatisfied with the current administration.
The exchange reflects growing political tension as parties begin positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While opposition leaders continue to press for changes to the electoral framework, the Senate insists that any review must follow constitutional steps within the legislature.