Presidency, Opposition Clash Over 2026 Electoral Act

The Presidency has criticised opposition parties over their rejection of the 2026 Electoral Act, describing their claims as misleading and unfounded.

In a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency accused opposition figures and parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), of spreading disinformation about the amendments signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

Onanuga said the changes to the law were introduced to address practical challenges, particularly network disruptions that could affect the electronic transmission of election results. He stated that while the law provides for real-time transmission, it also recognises Form EC8A as a valid backup where technical issues occur.

He rejected claims that the backup provision creates room for manipulation, arguing that elections should not be invalidated due to connectivity failures. He also clarified that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Results Viewing Portal (IReV) is designed for public access to uploaded results and not as a collation centre, maintaining that Form EC8 remains the primary legal document for validating outcomes.

On the amendment to Section 84, which limits political parties to direct primaries and consensus arrangements for candidate selection, the Presidency said the measure strengthens internal party democracy by removing delegate-based primaries. Onanuga described opposition resistance to the change as inconsistent, adding that the National Assembly consulted stakeholders over a two-year period before passing the bill.

He also dismissed allegations that the amendments are part of a broader effort to entrench one-party rule, noting that Nigeria operates a multi-party system with several registered political parties.

Opposition leaders have, however, called for an immediate review of the law, arguing that it undermines electoral transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At a press conference in Abuja attended by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, ADC National Chairman David Mark and other political figures, the coalition criticised specific provisions of the Act.

Speaking on behalf of the group, NNPP National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed said the amendment to Section 60(3), which provides alternative procedures in cases of failed electronic transmission, grants excessive discretion to presiding officers and could weaken the integrity of result transmission.

The opposition cited previous statements by former officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission to counter the claim that network coverage remains a major obstacle, insisting that technological infrastructure has improved nationwide.

They also faulted the amendment to Section 84, which restricts political parties to direct primaries and consensus methods, describing it as an infringement on party autonomy. According to the group, indirect primaries remain a lawful and structured option for candidate selection and should not be removed by legislation.

The coalition accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of 2027, an allegation the Presidency has denied.

Opposition leaders further criticised the conduct of the recent Federal Capital Territory Area Council election, alleging irregularities in vote figures. They also condemned an attack on ADC members in Edo State that reportedly affected party officials, and called for improved security and political tolerance.

In addition, the group urged the judiciary to remain impartial in electoral disputes, stressing that election outcomes should reflect voters’ decisions. Several speakers, including Atiku, Obi and Amaechi, called for closer cooperation among opposition parties ahead of the next general election, while David Mark said the coalition would pursue constitutional means to seek amendments to the Act.