ADC and NNPP Formally Reject Electoral Act 2026, Pledge Constitutional Fight
In a significant political development, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have officially rejected the Electoral Act 2026, which was recently passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The opposition parties have characterized the legislation as fundamentally anti-democratic and a deliberate maneuver to establish a one-party state in Nigeria.
Coordinated Opposition Press Briefing in Abuja
During a press briefing held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja on February 26, 2026, leaders from both parties declared their unwavering commitment to utilize every constitutional avenue available to resist the implementation of the Act. They emphasized that their primary objective is to protect democratic principles and ensure that the votes of Nigerian citizens are accurately reflected and counted in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
The gathering featured a notable assembly of prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi. Also present were ADC National Chairman David Mark, ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, former Cross River State governor Liyel Imoke, and NNPP National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed.
Additional key attendees comprised former lawmaker Linda Ukeje, Dino Melaye, Bolaji Abdullahi, Buba Galadima, Lawal Batagarawa, Salihu Lukman, and Yunusa Tanko. It is noteworthy that out of approximately twenty opposition parties in the country, only the ADC and NNPP participated in this event, highlighting a limited but focused coalition against the new electoral legislation.
Specific Criticisms and Allegations Against the Act
Addressing journalists, Ajuri Ahmed of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) articulated several critical concerns. He alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is strategically positioning President Tinubu as the sole serious presidential candidate for the 2027 elections through this Act.
Ahmed pointed to existing statistical capabilities that enable the transmission of election results from every polling unit, questioning the necessity of including manual provisions in the Act. He expressed surprise at the unprecedented speed with which President Tinubu signed this particular legislation, contrasting it with his handling of other bills.
Furthermore, Ahmed referenced the recently concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election as a practical demonstration of why the APC was in such haste to enact the Electoral Act 2026. The opposition leaders collectively rejected the outcome of the FCT election, describing it as a critical litmus test that the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had failed.
The ADC and NNPP have now positioned themselves at the forefront of a constitutional battle, signaling a potentially contentious political climate as Nigeria approaches the 2027 electoral cycle.
