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The Senate on Thursday rejected calls for an immediate amendment to the Electoral Act 2026, turning back pressure from key opposition figures who labelled the new law anti-democratic ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and other opposition groups — including former Vice-President Atiku
Abubakar, Peter Obi and ex-Governor Rotimi Amaechi — had demanded a fresh review of the Act, criticising provisions that restrict party nomination methods and alter electronic transmission rules.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ajuji Ahmed, described several clauses of the law as inimical to transparency and electoral credibility, especially Section 60(3) on election result transmission and Section 84(2) on primaries. He argued these changes could undermine internal party autonomy and disenfranchise voters.
However, speaking on behalf of the Senate, spokesman Senator Yemi Adaramodu urged the opposition to channel any concerns through their elected lawmakers in the National Assembly rather than seeking public pressure for an overhaul. He said the Senate is open to proposals but warned against inflammatory rhetoric that could destabilise the nation.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on South-East Development Commission, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, emphasised that only the legislature has the authority to amend the law and cautioned against “chaos” from outside agitation.
The rejection of the opposition’s demands underscores growing political tensions as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 polls, with debate over the Electoral Act emerging as a central flashpoint in national politics.
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Oyetoke Adedayo Ebenezer
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