Leaders of opposition political parties in Nigeria have strongly opposed the recently amended Electoral Act 2026, which was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The opposition figures, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, criticised the process through which the National Assembly passed the legislation, describing it as flawed and lacking transparency.
Speaking at a press briefing, Ajuri Ahmed of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is scheming to position President Tinubu as the sole credible presidential contender ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ahmed said, “Data at our disposal indicates that results can be electronically transmitted from all polling units nationwide. So, why is there a need to retain the manual transmission provision in the new law?”
He further expressed shock at the speed with which the President assented to the bill, noting that “similar urgency was never shown in signing other important legislation.”
Ahmed also pointed to the recently concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) election as evidence of the APC’s motives. “The FCT election demonstrates why the ruling party hurriedly pushed for the signing of the Electoral Act,” he said.
The coalition of opposition leaders dismissed the outcome of the FCT Area Council election, arguing that it was meant to test the new INEC Chairman, whom they claimed “failed the crucial test.”
