IPAC Seeks Amendments to Electoral Act, Warns Parties May Boycott 2027 Elections
Naija News • 1h ago
**Electoral Act Amendments: IPAC Issues Ultimatum to National Assembly**
In a move that has sent shockwaves across the country, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has warned the National Assembly that if it fails to amend certain provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, political parties may boycott the 2027 general election. This stern warning comes after IPAC's Expanded General Assembly meeting in Abuja, where the organisation listed six key demands that must be addressed urgently.
**Challenges to Nigeria's Democratic System**
IPAC's concerns are not unfounded. The organisation believes that some provisions in the Electoral Act have the potential to undermine the development of political parties and weaken Nigeria's multiparty democratic system. For instance, the requirement for party members to possess and upload their National Identification Number (NIN) could disenfranchise many Nigerians who do not have access to the identification system. This raises concerns about the inclusivity and credibility of future elections.
**Restoring Electoral Legitimacy**
IPAC has called for the restoration of indirect primaries, which would allow political parties to determine how they nominate candidates for elections. This is crucial for maintaining the legitimacy of the electoral process. Moreover, the council has urged the National Assembly to introduce stronger penalties for vote buying, a practice that undermines the credibility of elections in Nigeria.
**A Threat to Democracy**
The consequences of inaction by the National Assembly would be far-reaching. IPAC warns that if the concerns raised by political parties are not addressed, the outcome of the elections would be rejected as illegitimate and would not be recognised by the parties under its umbrella. This could have serious implications for Nigeria's democratic institutions and international reputation. As such, IPAC plans to alert the international community, including the United Nations, the European Union, ECOWAS, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Nigerians in the diaspora about its concerns.
**A Call to Action**
The National Assembly must take IPAC's demands seriously and work towards amending the Electoral Act 2026. Failure to do so would have severe consequences for Nigeria's democratic system. The country needs a credible and inclusive electoral process that reflects the will of the people. As IPAC has warned, the clock is ticking, and the National Assembly must act swiftly to restore electoral legitimacy and prevent a potential boycott of future elections.