Atiku, Obi, Amaechi Meet Over Proposed Electoral Act Amendment
Top opposition figures on Tuesday gathered in Abuja to speak on recent changes to the Electoral Act. Among those present were former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. The meeting is taking place at the Transcorp Hilton, where the leaders are expected to address journalists on the new amendments and other national concerns.
Also at the venue are former Senate President David Mark, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, NNPP chieftain Buba Galadima, and ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola. Other political stakeholders in attendance include Bolaji Abdullahi, Dino Melaye, Ralph Nwosu and former Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke.
The development follows the signing of the 2026 Electoral Act by President Bola Tinubu on February 18. The revised law changes how political parties can choose their candidates ahead of elections.
Under the previous 2022 law, parties had three options for selecting candidates: direct primaries involving all members, indirect primaries using delegates, or consensus decisions by party leaders. The new Act removes the indirect option, leaving only direct primaries and consensus arrangements.
The amended law also reduces the timeline for campaigns and party primaries. In addition, funding for the Independent National Electoral Commission will now be released six months before elections, instead of the earlier 12-month window.
The opposition leaders are expected to make their position known on these changes, especially on areas they consider controversial.