Nigeria’s leading opposition figures on Wednesday launched a coordinated political offensive against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), rejecting key provisions of the amended Electoral Act 2026 and warning that the law could plunge the country into a democratic crisis ahead of the 2027 general election.
The opposition coalition—bringing together some of the most prominent figures in Nigeria’s political landscape—described the controversy surrounding the electoral law as a defining test of the nation’s democratic credibility. It demanded urgent legislative review, while calling on citizens, civil society groups, and the international community to closely monitor what it termed a growing threat to democratic rule.
The coalition’s position was read by Ajuji Ahmed, National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), at a world press conference in Abuja. The statement was endorsed by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; David Mark, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC); former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; former Cross River State Governor Liye l Imoke; Senator Ireti Kingibe; Senator Dino Melaye; and NNPP Board of Trustees Secretary Buba Galadima, among others.
‘A Threat to Democratic Survival’
Reading the statement, Ahmed said the opposition leaders had come together with what he described as a shared resolve to “rescue Nigeria’s democracy” and prevent the country from sliding into “failure and collapse.”
“We have decided to collectively articulate our position against the offensive and anti-democratic Electoral Act 2026,” he said, alleging that peaceful public dissent in recent months had been met with “violent repression” by a government he described as “desperate and increasingly intolerant.”
The coalition argued that specific amendments—particularly those affecting the electronic transmission of election results—would weaken transparency and undermine the credibility of future elections.
Flashpoint: Section 60(3)
At the heart of the dispute is Section 60(3) of the amended law, which the opposition said grants excessive discretion to presiding officers and weakens safeguards for real-time electronic transmission of results to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV).
According to the coalition, the provision could be exploited to delay uploads under the pretext of network failure, thereby opening the door to manipulation.
The opposition dismissed the network argument, citing past assurances by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the BVAS system—designed to function offline—had recorded over 90 per cent operational success nationwide.
“Millions of Nigerians carry out daily financial transactions from remote locations,” the statement said. “The no-network argument is fraudulent and unsupported by evidence.”
Primaries Clause Sparks Constitutional Row
The coalition also faulted amendments to Section 84, which restrict political parties to direct primaries or consensus, arguing that the change amounts to unconstitutional interference in party autonomy.
“There is nothing undemocratic about indirect primaries,” the leaders said, warning that the provision could destabilise opposition parties and deliberately weaken their capacity to present candidates in 2027.
They vowed to challenge the amendment through constitutional means.
FCT Polls Raise Red Flags
Opposition leaders cited the recent Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections as a “test-run” that reinforced their concerns, alleging discrepancies between accredited voters and declared results in favour of the APC.
They also expressed alarm over what they described as historically low voter turnout, warning that declining participation reflects eroding public confidence in the electoral system.
Condemnation of Attack in Edo
The coalition strongly condemned the recent attack on ADC leaders in Benin City, describing it as part of a broader pattern of political intimidation and violence.
“Democracy thrives on competition of ideas, not thuggery,” the leaders warned, calling for accountability and restraint.
Presidency, APC Push Back
The Presidency swiftly rejected the opposition’s claims, accusing ADC and NNPP leaders of “constant lamentation,” misinformation, and political irresponsibility.
In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the government insisted that the amended law strengthens electoral integrity, allows for real-time transmission, and provides Form EC8A only as a backup in the event of technical failure.
The APC also dismissed allegations linking it to the Edo attack, with party spokesperson Felix Morka describing the ADC as “its own nemesis” and urging security agencies to investigate internal party conflicts instead.
Stakes Rising Ahead of 2027
Despite the pushback, opposition leaders insisted the law must be revisited immediately to restore public trust and safeguard the integrity of future elections.
“We will defend our votes and ensure they count,” David Mark declared.
With both sides hardening their positions, the dispute over the Electoral Act is fast emerging as an early, high-stakes battle in the run-up to the 2027 general election—one that could shape Nigeria’s democratic trajectory for years to come.
