IPAC Urges Revisions to Electoral Act 2026 Ahead of Elections

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), chaired by Yusuf Dantal, convened in Abuja to address concerns regarding the Electoral Act 2026. The council is advocating for the National Assembly to revisit the law, particularly its provisions mandating political parties to submit membership registers with National Identification Numbers (NIN) within a limited timeframe, which they argue is impractical and exclusionary.

Dantal emphasized that these provisions risk disenfranchising Nigerians who lack access to NIN registration facilities. IPAC also criticized the Act for falling short of public expectations despite extensive consultations during its formulation.

The council warned that unless urgent reforms are made, the credibility of future elections could be undermined. They are calling for the establishment of an electoral offenses commission to prosecute violations and have appealed for the repeal of the Electoral Act 2026 to ensure credible and transparent elections.

The INEC, represented by Prof. Joash Amupitan, is working on new regulations to align with the Act, aiming to enhance electoral integrity and participation.