2027: Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, Mark, Galadima, Aregbesola Reject Electoral Law

Nigeria’s major opposition figures have jointly rejected the newly amended Electoral Act 2026, warning that its provisions could undermithe credibility of the 2027 general elections and plunge the country into a fresh democratic crisis.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Senate President David Mark, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) chieftain Buba Galadima, and former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola made their position known after a series of high-level consultations in Abuja.

The leaders described the amendment as “deeply troubling,” arguing that certain clauses could weaken electoral transparency, reduce institutional independence, and compromise technological safeguards introduced in previous reforms.

According to them, the credibility of the 2023 elections was already a subject of national debate, and any attempt to further alter the electoral framework without broad consensus could erode public trust in the democratic process.

In a joint position, the opposition figures expressed concern over what they termed “last-minute legislative changes” ahead of a major election cycle, insisting that electoral laws should not be manipulated to favour incumbents.

They maintained that reforms must strengthen, not weaken, the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), particularly in areas such as electronic transmission of results, voter accreditation processes, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

“The foundation of democracy is credible elections. Any action capable of diminishing public confidence must be reconsidered,” one of the leaders reportedly stated during the consultations.

The group also hinted at possible legal challenges and nationwide mobilisation if contentious provisions of the amended law are not reviewed. They called on civil society organisations, professional bodies, and the international community to closely monitor developments.

However, sources within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) insist that the amendments were designed to address gaps observed in previous elections and to strengthen institutional procedures.

Political analysts say the coordinated rejection signals the early consolidation of a broad opposition front ahead of 2027, raising the stakes in what is already shaping up to be a fiercely contested general election.

As consultations continue, Nigerians are expected to witness intensified political realignments and strategic alliances in the coming months.