Senate Responds to Opposition on Electoral Act 2026

The Nigerian Senate has reacted to opposition leaders' rejection of the recently signed Electoral Act 2026, which they argue is biased ahead of the 2027 general elections. The opposition, including the African Democratic Congress and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, held a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, urging lawmakers to urgently review the Act.

The Electoral Act 2026, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on February 18, limits political parties to direct primaries and shortens campaign timelines. It also stipulates that the Independent National Electoral Commission will release funds six months before elections, instead of the previous twelve months.

Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu advised the opposition to channel their complaints through the National Assembly rather than making public demands. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu emphasized that the power to amend the Electoral Act rests solely with the National Assembly and cautioned political actors against statements that could raise tensions in the country as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.