Major opposition leaders including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi have jointly rejected the Electoral Act 2026, describing it as “anti-democratic” and an attempt to subvert the will of the people in the 2027 elections. At a joint press conference in Abuja, NNPP National Chairman Ahmed Ajuji read a speech on behalf of all opposition parties, condemning Section 60(3) which grants “undefined discretionary powers” to presiding officers regarding electronic transmission of results.
The opposition also rejected Section 84, which limits parties to direct primaries and consensus, calling it an “overreach” on party autonomy. They cited NCC data showing over 95% 2G coverage to argue network failure concerns are “dubious.” Leaders vowed to explore all constitutional means to challenge the Act, describing recent FCT polls as a “test run” for 2027. Present were Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, Ireti Kingibe, and others.
KEY POINTS
The unified opposition front signals unprecedented coalition against the Act.
Specific technical objections target electronic transmission and primary methods.
Opposition gains momentum, while government faces coordinated resistance.
This reflects deepening pre-election polarisation.
The timing, with 2027 approaching, sets battle lines.
Atiku, Obi, Amaechi lead opposition rejection of Electoral Act 2026, demanding fresh amendment over e-transmission, primary method concerns.
Sources: Premium Times, NAN