“Electoral act 2026 is anti-democratic” — ADC, NNPP reject law, vow resistance

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) on Thursday formally rejected the Electoral Act 2026, recently passed by the National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the legislation as anti-democratic and a calculated move to entrench a one-party state.

Speaking at a joint press briefing, leaders of the two opposition parties vowed to deploy all constitutional and legal means to resist the implementation of the new law, insisting that their struggle is aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

They maintained that the Act undermines electoral integrity and threatens the principle that every vote must count, warning that its enforcement could weaken multiparty democracy in the country.

Prominent political figures present at the briefing included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, ADC National Chairman David Mark, ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, former Cross River State governor Liyel Imoke, and NNPP National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed.

Also in attendance were former federal lawmaker Linda Ukeje, Senator Dino Melaye, Bolaji Abdullahi, Buba Galadima, Lawal Batagarawa, Salihu Lukman, and Yunusa Tanko.

However, the meeting exposed cracks within the opposition ranks as a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Tanimu Turaki, staged a walkout after reportedly being denied the opportunity to read a prepared statement.

Sources at the venue disclosed that attempts by Senator Dino Melaye to broker peace between the Turaki-led faction and other opposition leaders were unsuccessful. Organisers were said to have justified their decision by citing the faction’s alleged lack of legal recognition.

Despite the broader opposition rhetoric, participation at the briefing appeared limited, as only the ADC and NNPP were represented out of about 20 registered opposition parties, highlighting a lack of full consensus on the coordinated rejection of the Electoral Act 2026.