IPAC Warns Electoral Act 2026 Threatens 2027 Elections

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), led by Chairman Dr. Mamman Yusuf Dantal, has raised alarms regarding the Electoral Act 2026, stating it threatens the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process and the success of the upcoming 2027 general elections.

During a meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday, IPAC highlighted significant shortcomings in the current electoral legal framework, which could destabilize Nigeria's hard-earned democracy. They criticized the Act for imposing undue legislative interference in political parties' internal affairs and for provisions that could disenfranchise large segments of the population lacking access to National Identification Numbers (NIN).

IPAC demands that the National Assembly urgently revisit and amend the Act, particularly concerning the methods of candidate selection and the requirement for political parties to submit membership registries by April 21, 2026. They also called for the establishment of an electoral offenses commission to hold violators accountable and ensure stronger sanctions to reinforce the democratic process.