The Digest:
Political parties under the Inter-Party Advisory Council have rejected key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, describing the law as a setback to Nigeria's democratic progress. IPAC Chairman Yusuf Dantalle said the council opposes the mandatory direct primaries clause, insisting candidate selection should remain an internal party affair. Parties also rejected the requirement to submit membership registers with National Identification Numbers within a limited timeframe, calling it impractical and exclusionary. IPAC demanded mandatory electronic transmission of results and the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission, warning that unresolved issues could jeopardize the 2027 elections.Key Points:
- The rejection comes more than a month after President Tinubu signed the Act, raising questions about the timing of the opposition.
- Political analysts argue the parties should have opposed the provisions before the law was signed, calling the current push "too late."
- IPAC argues direct primaries favor the ruling party and impose undue pressure on opposition parties without government resources.
- The NIN requirement risks disenfranchising millions of Nigerians, particularly in rural areas with limited registration access.
- INEC defends the law, saying the new regulations aim to sanitize party primaries and curb candidate imposition.
As IPAC pushes for amendments, analysts warn that the timing is unrealistic with primaries less than a month away, leaving the opposition's options limited to judicial challenge or compliance.
Sources: Daily Trust
