… Calls for urgent reforms ahead of 2027 polls
ABUJA: The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has slammed the Electoral Act 2026, describing it as a major setback to Nigeria’s democratic progress and demanding immediate amendments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political party leaders in Abuja, IPAC National Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, warned that the current law could “impede, weaken, and destabilise” the country’s democratic gains if left unchanged.
Dantalle expressed disappointment that, despite widespread public participation during reform hearings, the final legislation failed to reflect Nigerians’ expectations.
He criticised provisions mandating direct primaries, arguing they infringe on party autonomy, and called for the reinstatement of indirect primaries.
The council also raised concerns over the tight April 2026 deadline for political parties to submit membership registers, including National Identification Numbers (NIN), calling the directive unrealistic and exclusionary.
On electoral transparency, IPAC insisted that election results must be electronically transmitted immediately at polling units through the IReV portal, highlighting issues observed in the 2023 polls.
The council also faulted weakened penalties for vote buying and renewed calls for an Electoral Offences Commission to prosecute offenders.
IPAC disclosed that it has formally petitioned the National Assembly to repeal the Electoral Act 2026 and urged international partners to support democratic reforms.
The council also called on INEC to enhance operational readiness ahead of upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, particularly in deploying BVAS and IReV technologies.
Dantalle stressed that restoring public trust in the electoral system is critical to curbing voter apathy and ensuring credible elections, reaffirming IPAC’s commitment to political stability and democratic development.
