The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have rejected the newly signed Electoral Act 2026, warning that it poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Act 2026 into law on 18 February after its passage by the National Assembly.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, NNPP National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, accused the APC-led National Assembly of rushing the amendment with “contemptuous haste” to weaken opposition parties and entrench a one-party system.
Ahmed alleged that the law was designed to corrupt the electoral system, compromise democratic institutions and undermine the sanctity of the ballot.
“We state unequivocally that the new Electoral Act is anti-democratic,” he said, adding that opposition parties would explore all constitutional means to block its implementation.
He demanded an immediate fresh amendment to remove what he described as “obnoxious provisions” and ensure the law reflects Nigerians’ aspirations for credible elections.
Ahmed also faulted the National Assembly for allegedly ignoring stakeholder recommendations during public hearings, claiming citizens’ views were “subverted and rubbished”.
The opposition parties further described the recent Federal Capital Territory area council elections as a “test-run” for a 2027 rigging plan by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Prominent opposition figures at the briefing included Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
The presidency and APC have yet to formally respond to the opposition’s claims.
