By Mercy Peter
The National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, has called for the immediate amendment or outright repeal of the Electoral Act 2026, warning that its current provisions could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process and jeopardize the credibility of the 2027 General Election.
Dantalle made this known on Tuesday while delivering a keynote address at a high-level meeting between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and leaders of political parties, held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The IPAC chairman described the Electoral Act 2026 as a “significant regression,” noting that it fell short of public expectations despite widespread citizen participation during earlier public hearings on constitutional and electoral reforms.
According to him, rather than strengthening democratic processes, the law introduces provisions that could “impede, weaken, and destabilize” Nigeria’s hard-earned democracy.
“It is particularly concerning that this contentious Electoral Act formed the basis upon which INEC released the timetable and schedule for the 2027 General Elections,” Dantalle said, warning that the development has placed undue pressure on political parties especially those outside government.
A major highlight of IPAC’s demands is the rejection of the Act’s provision mandating direct primaries for political parties. Dantalle argued that the mode of candidate selection should remain an internal party affair, free from legislative imposition.
He urged the National Assembly of Nigeria to urgently revisit the law and restore the option of indirect primaries, emphasizing that flexibility in internal party processes is essential for inclusivity and political stability.
The IPAC chairman also criticized the requirement for political parties to submit membership registers, including members’ National Identification Numbers (NIN), within a tight window from April 1 to April 21, 2026.
He described the directive as “impractical and exclusionary,” warning that it could disenfranchise millions of Nigerians who lack access to NIN registration facilities.
“In the spirit of participatory democracy, this requirement should be expunged,” he stated.
Dantalle further stressed the need for the full restoration of electronic transmission of election results, particularly through INEC’s IReV portal.
He insisted that results should be transmitted immediately after announcement at polling units without conditional provisions, describing the measure as “a fundamental demand of the Nigerian people” and a key safeguard for transparency.
Referencing the controversies that trailed the 2023 Nigerian presidential election, he warned against a repeat of past lapses, saying such occurrences must not be allowed to recur.
The IPAC leader also expressed concern over what he described as weakened penalties for vote buying in the new law, warning that the trend continues to erode electoral credibility.
He renewed calls for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to ensure accountability and deter malpractice.
Dantalle disclosed that IPAC has formally urged the National Assembly to repeal the Electoral Act 2026 and called on development partners and the international community to deploy diplomatic influence in support of Nigeria’s democracy.
“The international community is closely observing Nigeria’s democratic trajectory,” he said, adding that expectations are high for improved outcomes in 2027.
Dantalle charged INEC to demonstrate professionalism, technological efficiency, and zero tolerance for operational lapses—particularly in the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the IReV portal.
“The credibility of the Commission is at stake, and public confidence hinges on the assurance that every vote will count,” he noted.
Reaffirming IPAC’s role as the umbrella body of all registered political parties, Dantalle pledged the Council’s continued commitment to fostering political stability, credible elections, and democratic consolidation in Nigeria.
He emphasized the need for leadership anchored on integrity, accountability, and public trust, warning that voter apathy and distrust would persist without decisive reforms.
“We must collectively sanitise our political environment and uphold standards that inspire public confidence,” he said.
