Nigerian opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and prominent figures from other major political parties, have publicly rejected the amended Electoral Act 2026, which was recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The opposition claims the process through which the National Assembly passed the legislation was flawed and aimed at consolidating power ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Flawed Process and Strategic Manipulation

At a press briefing, Ajuri Ahmed of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) alleged that the APC is strategizing to position President Tinubu as the sole credible presidential contender in the upcoming elections. He stated that data collected by his party suggests that electronic transmission of results from all polling units nationwide is already possible, raising questions about the need to retain manual transmission provisions in the new law.

Ahmed expressed shock at the speed with which President Tinubu signed the bill, noting that such urgency was not exhibited when other legislative bills were being considered. He linked this to the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) election, which he argued demonstrated why the APC was eager to finalize the Electoral Act as quickly as possible.

Dismissing the FCT Election Outcome

The coalition of opposition leaders also dismissed the results of the FCT Area Council election, arguing that it was a crucial test for the new Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman. They believe the chairman failed to meet the standards expected of the commission, which is responsible for conducting free and fair elections across the country.

According to the opposition, the FCT election highlighted the potential for irregularities and inconsistencies in the electoral process, which the new Electoral Act does not adequately address. They argue that the law should have been more transparent and inclusive to ensure fair representation for all political parties.

The rejection of the Electoral Act has raised concerns about the integrity of the upcoming elections. With the 2027 general elections less than a year away, the opposition is calling for an independent review of the law and a more inclusive process for its implementation.

Implications for the 2027 Elections

The controversy surrounding the Electoral Act has intensified the political climate in Nigeria, with opposition leaders warning that the law could lead to a lack of trust in the electoral process. They argue that without proper safeguards, the elections may not be perceived as free or fair by the public, potentially leading to widespread protests or unrest.

Analysts have noted that the rejection of the law by key opposition figures could lead to further legal challenges and public demonstrations. The opposition is also expected to push for a constitutional review or amendments to the Electoral Act, which could delay the implementation of the law and affect the scheduling of the 2027 elections.

According to Ajuri Ahmed, the opposition is prepared to take legal action against the government if the Electoral Act is not revised to address the concerns raised. He emphasized that the law must be reviewed to ensure that all political parties have an equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process.

President Tinubu’s administration has not yet responded to the opposition’s criticisms, but the controversy is expected to remain a focal point of political discourse in the coming months as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections.