ATIKU, OPPOSITION LEADERS REJECT 2026 ELECTORAL ACT, DEMAND FRESH ENACTMENT

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday joined other leaders of Nigeria’s major opposition parties in Abuja to reject the newly signed 2026 Electoral Act.Speaking at a joint press conference, the opposition figures called for a fresh enactment of the law, arguing that the amendment does not reflect the aspirations of Nigerians and could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.Atiku declared his support for Ajuji Ahmed, who criticised key provisions of the Act, particularly Section 60(3). The section permits the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to revert to manual transmission of election results in cases of alleged network failure.The opposition questioned the necessity of the provision, citing claims that Nigeria has over 90 per cent internet coverage. They warned that allowing manual transmission under such circumstances could weaken transparency in the electoral process.The coalition also faulted Section 84(2), which mandates political parties to conduct primaries either through direct voting or consensus. According to the opposition, the provision restricts internal party flexibility and could interfere with party autonomy.Describing the amendment as “offensive” and “anti-democratic,” the opposition leaders accused the APC-led National Assembly of attempting to introduce provisions capable of undermining electoral integrity.They urged lawmakers to begin a fresh legislative process that would produce an Electoral Act acceptable to a broad spectrum of stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections.