Opposition leaders reject Electoral Act 2026, pledge full resistance

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) on Thursday rejected the Electoral Act 2026, recently passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling it anti-democratic and a step towards creating a one-party state.

Speaking at a press briefing, leaders of both parties vowed to use all constitutional means to challenge the law, emphasizing their determination to protect democracy and ensure that Nigerians’ votes are respected in the 2027 elections.

Prominent figures at the briefing included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, ADC National Chairman David Mark, ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, former Cross River State governor Liyel Imoke, and NNPP National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed.

Others in attendance were former lawmaker Linda Ukeje, Dino Melaye, Bolaji Abdullahi, Buba Galadima, Lawal Batagarawa, Salihu Lukman, and Yunusa Tanko.

The briefing also highlighted internal disputes within the opposition as a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tanimu Turaki withdrew after being denied the opportunity to read the prepared statement.

Sources said that efforts by Senator Dino Melaye to mediate between the Turaki faction and other leaders reportedly failed, with organisers citing the faction’s lack of legal recognition.

Out of roughly 20 opposition parties, only the ADC and NNPP were present at the event, underscoring limited participation in the coordinated rejection of the new Electoral Act.

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