Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has defended the 2026 Electoral Act, stating it reflects broad consensus among political stakeholders, civil society organisations, and development partners. In an Easter message released Sunday by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Bamidele rejected allegations from opposition parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the law favours specific political interests ahead of the 2027 general elections. He stressed that all provisions were shaped through extensive consultations and align with global democratic standards.
Bamidele highlighted Section 77(1-7), requiring political parties to submit a digital register of members to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as a measure to boost transparency and prevent non-members from influencing party decisions. "Every member reverses the right to contribute to the decision-making process of his/her party," he said, adding that the register stops powerful outsiders from hijacking internal party affairs. He also supported Section 84, which restricts candidate nominations to direct primaries or consensus, eliminating the delegate system. This change, he argued, reduces vote-buying and places candidate selection directly in the hands of party members.
The Senate Leader linked the reforms to democratic integrity, saying they strengthen majority rule and internal party democracy. He urged political actors to embrace sacrifice and rule adherence, citing Easter values. Bamidele condemned recent armed attacks in Plateau and Kaduna states, calling them threats to national stability. He noted the National Assembly is amending the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act to impose harsher penalties on perpetrators, financiers, and collaborators in violent crimes.
Opeyemi Bamidele's emphasis on a digital membership register and direct primaries suggests a deliberate shift toward more inclusive party processes, though enforcement will determine whether smaller parties benefit or face new hurdles. For Nigerian voters, the real test lies in whether these rules are applied uniformly, especially against powerful figures who have historically influenced party decisions behind closed doors.
