ABUJA — Nigeria’s opposition leaders, converged on Abuja in a rare show of unity, signaling a coordinated push against controversial provisions of the newly enacted 2026 Electoral Act.
Among those meeting at the Lagos/Osun Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Abuja are former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Senate President David Mark; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; and African Democratic Congress National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola.
Also present are NNPP chieftain Buba Galadima; ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi; Senator Dino Melaye; former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu; and former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, among other political stakeholders.
The meeting comes barely a week after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assented to the 2026 Electoral Act on February 18, following its passage by the National Assembly.
While details of their resolutions were still being finalised at press time, the opposition leaders are expected to brief journalists on what they describe as contentious amendments to the electoral framework, alongside other pressing national concerns.
Under the repealed Electoral Act 2022, political parties could nominate candidates through direct primaries, indirect delegate-based primaries, or consensus arrangements.
The 2026 law, however, removes the option of indirect primaries, restricting parties to direct primaries and consensus candidates.
The new legislation also shortens timelines for party primaries and general election campaigns. Additionally, funding for the Independent National Electoral Commission will now be released six months before elections, compared to the previous 12-month provision.
Political analysts say the restriction of nomination methods and the compressed timelines could significantly alter party strategies ahead of future elections, potentially reshaping internal party dynamics.
The Abuja gathering marks one of the most visible alignments of opposition figures since the 2023 general elections, raising expectations of a broader coalition or coordinated legislative challenge in the weeks ahead.
