Political parties in Nigeria have rejected the 2026 Electoral Act, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over a month ago. The law's provisions have been deemed a setback to the country's democratic progress by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
Chairman of IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, stated that the council will convene a general assembly to determine the next course of action following its engagement with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the contentious provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. IPAC has expressed opposition to several clauses in the law, including the requirement for political parties to conduct direct primaries and submit their membership registers within a limited time frame.
The provision mandating the submission of membership registers, including members' National Identification Numbers (NIN), has been deemed impractical and exclusionary by IPAC. Dantalle warned that this provision risks disenfranchising many Nigerians who lack access to NIN registration facilities. IPAC has also demanded the mandatory electronic transmission of results, stressing that results should be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal immediately after declaration at polling units.
Dantalle expressed concern that the law had already formed the basis for INEC's timetable for the 2027 general elections, placing pressure on political parties, particularly those not in government. He stated that the Act fell short of public expectations despite wide consultations during its formulation, warning that its provisions could undermine the credibility of future elections if not urgently addressed.
The recent rejection of the 2026 Electoral Act by political parties highlights the urgent need for a review of the law's contentious provisions. Chairman Yusuf Dantalle's warning that the Act represents a significant regression in Nigeria's democratic journey is a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing democratic progress. The requirement for direct primaries and the submission of membership registers within a limited time frame are just two of the provisions that have been deemed impractical and exclusionary by IPAC. These provisions have the potential to disenfranchise many Nigerians and undermine the credibility of future elections. The National Assembly must take immediate action to address these concerns and ensure that the Electoral Act aligns with public expectations.
