Electoral Act: Political parties threaten to boycott 2027 general elections
Registered Political parties in the country under the auspices of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have threatened to boycott the 2027 general elections of the National Assembly failed to
Registered Political parties in the country under the auspices of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have threatened to boycott the 2027 general elections of the National Assembly failed to revisit and amend some sections of the 2026 Electoral Act recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a communique at the end Nd of its general assembly meeting in Abuja IPAC said some sections of the Electoral Act are not conducive to the development of political parties and efforts at deepening democracy in the country.
The Communique signed by the National Chairman Yusuf M. Dantalle and National Secretary, Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem demanded that the indirect mode of primaries be restored as removing it is an infringement on the constitutional right of political parties to determine their own affairs.
The communique read, “Following extensive deliberations and a thorough review of the recently passed Electoral Act 2026, which was intended to address certain anomalies observed in the Electoral Act 2022, the General Assembly of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) resolved as follows:
“While appreciating the considerable effort and energy invested in the enactment of the new Electoral Act 2026, the Council notes with concern that certain provisions in the Act have introduced new issues that are not conducive to the development of political parties, particularly in view of IPAC’s guiding principle of “Deepening Democracy in Nigeria.
“Unfortunately, there are clear indications that some aspects of the new Electoral Act 2026 undermine this fundamental objective and are inconsistent with the spirit of multiparty democracy.
“It is an established principle, affirmed by several judicial pronouncements, including those of the highest courts in Nigeria, that political parties possess certain fundamental rights in the administration of their internal affairs.
“However, the new Electoral Act 2026 has curtailed this right through Section 84(2), which excludes indirect primaries. IPAC believes that the exclusion of indirect primaries constitutes a violation of the constitutional right of political parties to regulate their internal affairs, including determining the method of nominating their candidates for elections.
“This provision, if left unamended, will significantly undermine political party development and weaken multiparty democracy in Nigeria.
“IPAC has consistently played a pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. When the democratic process came under serious strain during the collation of the 2023 Presidential Election results, the Council stood firmly to resist attempts by certain actors to undermine the process and plunge the country into anarchy.
“In the present circumstances, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) cannot fold its arms. The time to act is now.
“Accordingly, IPAC has resolved to draw the attention of Nigerians and the international community, including the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the United States Embassy, the United Kingdom Embassy, and Nigerians in the diaspora to these concerns.
“The Council insists that the National Assembly must address the observations outlined below as irreducible minimum conditions necessary to guarantee that the 2027 General Elections are free, fair, credible, and inclusive.
“IPAC also reserves the right to approach the courts to challenge the legality of certain objectionable provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
“Should the National Assembly fail to address these anomalies through urgent amendments to the Act, political parties under the umbrella of IPAC will be compelled to boycott the 2027 General Elections. In such circumstances, the outcome of the elections will be rejected as illegitimate and will not be recognized by the political parties.
The group demanded that “Indirect primaries must be restored as it remains the prerogative of political parties to determine the method of selecting their candidates.
“The requirement that members of political parties must possess and upload their National Identification Number (NIN) should be expunged. This provision will disenfranchise a significant number of Nigerians who do not have access to NIN and constitutes a violation of their rights under Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“Expungement of Section 77 (4, 5, 6 & 7).
These provisions should be removed as they infringe upon the constitutional right of citizens to freedom of association.
“The electronic transmission of election results after announcement at polling units must be restored. Its absence was a major flaw during the 2023 presidential election, and such a lapse must not be allowed to undermine future elections, including the 2027 General Elections”.
They are also demanding stronger penalties for vote buying, saying “vote buying remains one of the major electoral malpractices undermining the integrity of elections. IPAC observes that penalties under the new Electoral Act have been weakened. The Council therefore recommends stricter penalties to serve as an effective deterrent.”
They are also asking for the restoration of forged certificates as grounds for election petitions, adding that “the foundation of democracy lies in electing individuals of integrity, credibility, and sound qualifications into public office.
“IPAC is deeply concerned that the new Electoral Act removes the presentation of forged certificates as grounds for election petitions, thereby creating an avenue for individuals with questionable credentials to occupy public office.
“This development runs contrary to the aspirations of Nigerians for credible leadership and damages the image of the country. Furthermore, the provision conflicts with constitutional provisions that disqualify such persons from holding elective office.
“The National Assembly must therefore align the Electoral Act with the Constitution to avoid unnecessary judicial burdens on such matters.”
