The Digest:
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have rejected the Electoral Act 2026 signed by President Tinubu, describing it as a threat to democracy and an attempt to establish a one-party state. At a joint press briefing in Abuja, NNPP National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed accused the APC-led National Assembly and Tinubu of enacting the law with "contemptuous haste" to "weaken opposition, corrupt the electoral system, compromise democratic institutions and foist a totalitarian one-party rule." The opposition parties demanded the National Assembly commence a fresh amendment to remove "obnoxious provisions" and ensure the Act reflects Nigerians' will. They also described the recent FCT area council elections as a "test-run of 2027 APC rigging plan." Present at the briefing were former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, David Mark, and Rauf Aregbesola. The parties vowed to deploy all constitutional avenues to block implementation.
Key Points:
- The joint rejection signals unprecedented opposition unity against the new law.
- It sets the stage for legal and political battles ahead of 2027.
- Opposition leaders gain platform, while government faces coordinated resistance.
- This reflects deepening polarisation over electoral framework.
- The timing, with high-profile leaders present, amplifies message.
Sources: TheCable, ADC/NNPP Joint Statement
