Political tensions are rising ahead of the 2027 general elections as opposition leaders demand urgent changes to the Electoral Act 2026, while the Senate insists the law will stand unless formally amended through due process.

Leaders of the opposition, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former minister Rotimi Amaechi, described key provisions of the new law as anti-democratic.

The Act, recently signed by Bola Tinubu, limits political parties to direct primaries and consensus candidate selection, excluding indirect primaries.

Opposition figures argue that restricting primary methods undermines party autonomy and weakens internal democracy.

They also fault Section 60(3), claiming it gives presiding officers excessive discretion over electronic transmission of election results.

According to the critics, Nigeria’s digital infrastructure — including broad 2G coverage and widespread internet access — makes real-time electronic transmission feasible nationwide.

They insist weakening mandatory transmission could compromise transparency in 2027.

Peter Obi further criticised the government’s economic record, citing rising poverty, insecurity, and borrowing levels.

He called for a united opposition movement to “restore democracy” and rebuild public trust in governance institutions.

Atiku Abubakar warned that democratic instability in Nigeria could have ripple effects across Africa, describing the country as the continent’s largest democracy.

However, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu dismissed the agitation, urging opposition leaders to channel concerns through lawmakers rather than public pressure.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu also cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric, stressing that only the National Assembly has constitutional authority to amend the Electoral Act.

With both camps holding firm positions, the debate over the Electoral Act 2026 is emerging as a defining political battleground ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.