The Nigerian Senate has dismissed renewed demands from opposition leaders to immediately amend the recently signed Electoral Act 2026, rejecting calls for fresh changes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi urged lawmakers to revisit key provisions of the new electoral law, describing parts of it as anti-democratic and skewed. They argue that certain sections undermine transparency and internal party autonomy, particularly provisions affecting candidate selection methods and the electronic transmission of results.
The opposition leaders also raised concerns that the law shortens campaign and primary timelines and alters the schedule for funding the electoral commission, warning that such changes could impact the conduct of free and fair elections.
In response, Senate leaders said the legislature had already completed the constitutional process in passing the Act and advised critics to follow formal legislative procedures if they seek amendments. They stressed that only the National Assembly has the authority to amend the law and that any review must be initiated by lawmakers.
The development signals growing political tensions as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections, with debate intensifying over the legal framework that will govern the polls.
