Amid growing controversy surrounding the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026, opposition political actors convened a press conference on Thursday to coordinate resistance against the new law. The legislation, signed by President Bola Tinubu, has drawn criticism from several opposition figures who argue that certain provisions undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting was intended to consolidate opposition parties around a unified position and to outline lawful steps toward seeking amendments to the Act. However, proceedings were overshadowed by internal divisions within the coalition.
A mild but noticeable disruption occurred when the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), the principal conveners of the gathering, denied participation to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) faction aligned with Taminu Turaki.
Sources indicate that attempts by Dino Melaye to mediate between the Turaki-led bloc and other coalition leaders were unsuccessful. Organisers reportedly justified the exclusion on the basis that the faction lacks formal legal recognition within the PDP structure.
The development exposes underlying fractures within the broader opposition alliance, raising questions about cohesion at a time when strategic unity is considered critical.
Coalition’s Position on the Electoral Act
At a press conference following the meeting, leaders of the ADC and NNPP reaffirmed their commitment to challenging the implementation of the Electoral Act through lawful and institutional channels.
The communiqué, read by NNPP National Chairman Ahmed Ajuji, called on the National Assembly to immediately initiate a fresh amendment process to remove what the coalition described as “obnoxious provisions” in the law.
According to the statement, the coalition demands that the Act should reflect “the will and aspirations of Nigerians for a free, fair, transparent and credible electoral process,” insisting that anything short of comprehensive amendments would be unacceptable.
Prominent political figures in attendance 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
Other attendees included Linda Ukeje, Bolaji Abdullahi, Buba Galadima, Lawal Batagarawa, Salihu Lukman, and Yunusa Tanko.
Despite references to a broader opposition coalition reportedly comprising nearly 20 parties, only the ADC and NNPP were physically represented at the event. The absence of other opposition platforms, combined with the exclusion of the Turaki-led PDP faction, suggests that efforts to build a cohesive anti-Act front remain a work in progress.
