David Mark, Peter Obi, Atiku, others reject amended Electoral Act 

Prominent opposition figures in Nigeria have dismissed the amended Electoral Act 2026 recently assented to by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group, which includes key opposition parties and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, criticised the process through which the legislation was approved by the National Assembly, describing it as flawed and lacking due consultation.

Speaking at a press briefing, Ajuri Ahmed of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is strategising to position President Tinubu as the sole credible contender in the 2027 presidential race.

Ahmed argued that data at their disposal indicates that electronic transmission of results is feasible in all polling units nationwide, questioning the rationale for retaining a manual transmission clause in the revised law.

He further expressed astonishment at the speed with which the President signed the bill into law, noting that other pending legislations had not received similar prompt attention.

According to him, the recently conducted Federal Capital Territory poll illustrates the urgency with which the ruling party pushed for the amendment.

The opposition bloc also dismissed the outcome of the FCT Area Council election, describing it as a critical test for the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which, in their view, he did not pass.