The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has raised serious concerns over the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026, warning that political parties may boycott the 2027 general elections if contentious provisions in the law are not urgently amended.
This position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the IPAC General Assembly meeting held at its National Secretariat in Abuja which was signed by IPAC National Chairman, Yusuf M. Dantalle, and National Secretary, Maxwell Mgbudem where leaders of political parties reviewed the new electoral law signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While acknowledging the effort invested in reforming Nigeria’s electoral framework after the Electoral Act 2022, the council said several provisions in the 2026 amendment undermine multiparty democracy and could weaken political party development.
IPAC stated that the new law contains clauses that restrict the autonomy of political parties in managing their internal affairs, contrary to established constitutional principles and judicial pronouncements affirming the rights of parties to regulate their operations.
Concern Over Ban on Indirect Primaries
One of the major issues highlighted by the council is Section 84(2) of the Act, which excludes indirect primaries as a method for selecting candidates.
According to IPAC, the exclusion of indirect primaries violates the constitutional right of political parties to determine how they nominate candidates for elections.
“The exclusion of indirect primaries constitutes a violation of the constitutional right of political parties to regulate their internal affairs,” the council said, warning that the provision could significantly weaken the multiparty system.
Opposition to NIN Requirement
IPAC also rejected the requirement that political party members must possess and upload their National Identification Number (NIN) in party membership records.
The council argued that the provision could disenfranchise millions of Nigerians who have not obtained NIN due to logistical challenges, describing it as a violation of citizens’ rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Other Provisions Under Criticism
The council further called for the expungement of Sections 77(4–7) of the Act, which it said infringes on citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of association.
It also demanded the restoration of mandatory electronic transmission of election results from polling units, insisting that the absence of such provisions was one of the major shortcomings during the 2023 presidential election.
According to IPAC, the integrity of future elections including the 2027 polls depends heavily on transparent result management systems.
Call for Stronger Penalties Against Vote Buying.
The council also expressed concern that penalties for vote buying under the new law have been weakened.
It urged lawmakers to introduce stricter sanctions to deter the practice, which it described as one of the most damaging threats to Nigeria’s electoral integrity.
Forged Certificates and Election Petitions
Another controversial provision identified by IPAC is the removal of forged academic certificates as grounds for election petitions.
The council warned that the change could allow individuals with questionable credentials to hold public office, contradicting constitutional provisions that disqualify such persons.
IPAC said the Electoral Act must be aligned with the Constitution to prevent unnecessary legal disputes and preserve public trust in the electoral system.
Appeal to International Community
In a strong diplomatic move, the council announced plans to bring its concerns to the attention of the international community, including the United Nations, European Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as well as the United States and United Kingdom embassies.
IPAC said Nigerians in the diaspora would also be informed about the developments.
Boycott Threat
The council warned that if the National Assembly fails to urgently amend the contentious provisions, political parties under its umbrella may boycott the 2027 general elections.
In such a scenario, IPAC said the outcome of the elections would be rejected as illegitimate by participating political parties.
The council also disclosed that it reserves the right to challenge certain provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 in court.
The communiqué who reiterated the council’s commitment to its guiding principle of “deepening democracy in Nigeria.”