By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
A fierce political dispute has erupted between the Presidency and opposition parties following the signing of the amended Electoral Act, with both sides trading accusations over the law’s potential impact on the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
The Presidency has strongly rebuked opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), for their rejection of the legislation. In a statement issued on Thursday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, accused them of making “reckless” and “spurious” allegations against President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.
Onanuga alleged that the opposition, in collaboration with certain civil society groups, has embarked on a “relentless war of disinformation” against the National Assembly and the current administration.
This reaction comes shortly after a coalition of opposition leaders publicly rejected the Electoral Act, 2026, vowing to demand a fresh amendment. At a world press conference in Abuja, leaders including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, NNPP National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed, and former governors Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi described the law as a threat to democracy.
The primary points of contention are the provisions regarding the electronic transmission of election results and the conduct of party primaries.
The Presidency defended the amendment, arguing it addresses practical realities, particularly network failures that could hinder the real-time electronic transmission of results. Onanuga explained that while the law provides for real-time transmission, it retains the use of Form EC8A as a valid backup in case of technical failure.
“The opposition’s claim that Form EC8A creates a loophole for manipulation is illogical and a needless tantrum,” Onanuga stated, emphasizing that the backup ensures elections are not invalidated due to network glitches.
He further clarified the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Results Viewing (IReV) portal, stating it is a tool for transparency, not an official collation centre. “IReV is not a collation centre; it is a platform for uploading results for public viewing. The primary source for validating election results remains Form EC8,” he said.
However, opposition leaders, speaking through NNPP National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed, argued that the law was “hurriedly signed” with “contemptuous haste” and contains loopholes for rigging. They specifically faulted Sections 60(3) and 84, which address electronic transmission and party primaries, asserting that the provisions will “undermine electoral transparency and the sanctity of the ballot.”
The Presidency also criticised the opposition’s rejection of provisions for direct primaries and consensus arrangements, which remove the previous delegate-based system. Onanuga argued this change strengthens internal democracy by restoring decision-making power to all party members. “We find it perplexing why the opposition is crying over the inclusion of direct primaries and consensus voting, rather than the corrupt delegate system they prefer,” he added.
The Presidency dismissed opposition claims that the amendment is a calculated step by the APC to establish a one-party state, describing the allegation as false and unfounded. Onanuga reiterated that Nigeria remains a multiparty democracy with numerous registered political parties.
He maintained that the National Assembly adhered to due process, consulting stakeholders over a two-year period before passing the amendment.
The opposition, however, remains adamant. At their press conference, they framed the new law as a major offensive by the APC administration to subvert the people’s will in the upcoming 2027 elections, setting the stage for a protracted political and legal battle over the nation’s electoral framework.
The amended Electoral Act was recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, introducing changes to result transmission and party primary processes. It has immediately become a flashpoint between the ruling APC and a coalition of opposition parties gearing up for the 2027 elections.
