Prominent Nigerian opposition political figures have rejected the recently amended Electoral Act 2026 and called on the National Assembly to review the law, saying it undermines credible electoral processes.
The National Assembly passed amendments to the Electoral Act in early 2026. The amended law was signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on February 18, 2026.
The legislation governs procedures for nominations, campaigning, voting and results transmission for elections, including the 2027 general polls.
Opposition parties and figures, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), held a press conference in Abuja to state their position on the legal changes.
At the press conference on Thursday, the NNPP National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed read a communiqué on behalf of opposition leaders that rejected the Electoral Act 2026.
They said the law contained provisions they found unacceptable and called on the National Assembly to begin a fresh amendment process.
Those who endorsed the position included former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark, former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
The opposition leaders also called for broader civic engagement in discussions on electoral law.
The opposition’s call for a fresh amendment of the law adds pressure on the National Assembly to consider requests for changes.
Any future adjustments to the Electoral Act would need to follow the constitutionally mandated legislative process, including committee review and approval by both chambers of the National Assembly.
