The Senate has dismissed calls by opposition leaders for an immediate amendment of the Electoral Act 2026, urging them to pursue any proposed changes through the National Assembly.
Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, had earlier demanded a review of the new law, arguing that some provisions could affect the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in Abuja, NNPP National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed said sections of the Act should be expunged, particularly provisions limiting political parties to direct primaries or consensus for candidate selection. Under the previous Electoral Act 2022, parties could also adopt indirect primaries.
Ahmed also raised concerns about changes to result transmission procedures and campaign timelines. He cited public statements by former officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and data from the Nigerian Communications Commission to support the opposition’s position.
In response, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said any concerns should be formally presented to lawmakers for consideration. “Once proposals are brought before the National Assembly, we will look at them,” he said.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu added that the power to amend the Electoral Act rests solely with the National Assembly, noting that the law had already received presidential assent.
The exchanges reflect growing political debate as parties position ahead of the 2027 elections.
