The Inter-Party Advisory Council has raised serious concerns over the Electoral Act 2026, warning that its provisions could undermine Nigeria’s democracy and threaten the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, IPAC National Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, called for the immediate amendment—or outright repeal—of the law, describing it as a “significant regression” that fails to meet public expectations.
According to him, instead of strengthening the electoral process, the Act introduces provisions capable of weakening and destabilizing Nigeria’s democratic gains.
“It is particularly troubling that this contentious law forms the basis of the 2027 election timetable,” he said, noting that it places undue pressure on political parties, especially those outside government.
A key concern raised by IPAC is the provision mandating direct primaries for political parties. Dantalle argued that candidate selection should remain an internal party matter, urging the National Assembly of Nigeria to restore flexibility by allowing indirect primaries.
He also faulted the requirement for parties to submit membership registers, including National Identification Numbers (NIN), within a tight timeframe, describing it as impractical and potentially disenfranchising millions of Nigerians.
“In the spirit of participatory democracy, this requirement should be removed,” he stated.
The IPAC chairman further demanded the full restoration of electronic transmission of results through INEC’s IReV portal, insisting that results must be uploaded immediately after collation at polling units to ensure transparency.
He warned against a repeat of controversies that trailed past elections, stressing that stronger safeguards are needed to rebuild public trust.
Dantalle also expressed concern over what he described as weakened penalties for vote buying, renewing calls for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to enforce accountability.
He disclosed that IPAC has formally urged lawmakers to revisit the law, while also calling on the international community to support Nigeria’s democratic process.
At the meeting convened by the Independent National Electoral Commission, Dantalle urged the electoral body to uphold professionalism and ensure flawless deployment of critical technologies such as BVAS and the IReV portal.
“The credibility of the Commission is at stake,” he said, emphasizing that public confidence depends on the assurance that every vote will count.
Reaffirming IPAC’s commitment to democratic consolidation, Dantalle called for collective action to restore integrity, transparency, and trust in Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 polls.
IPAC Blasts Electoral Act 2026, Demands Urgent Overhaul Before 2027 Polls
