National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle,
IPAC Raises Alarm Over Electoral ACT 2026, Demands Urgent Review Ahead of 2027 General Elections
The National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, has called for the urgent review and amendment of the Electoral Act 2026, warning that its current provisions pose serious threats to Nigeria’s democratic integrity and the credibility of the 2027 General Elections.
Speaking at a consultative meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and leaders of political parties held at INEC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Dantalle expressed deep concern that the Act represents a regression rather than progress in Nigeria’s electoral development.
According to him, despite widespread public participation during the legislative review process, the final Electoral Act 2026 failed to reflect the aspirations of Nigerians for a more inclusive, transparent, and progressive electoral framework.
Dantalle noted that INEC’s reliance on the contentious law to release the 2027 election timetable has placed undue pressure on political parties, particularly those outside government, thereby limiting their capacity to adequately prepare for the polls.
IPAC specifically demanded the immediate reconsideration of the provision mandating direct primaries, insisting that political parties should retain the autonomy to choose between direct and indirect primaries without legislative imposition.
The Council also strongly opposed the requirement for political parties to submit membership registers, including National Identification Numbers (NIN), within the narrow window of April 1 to April 21, 2026. It described the directive as impractical and exclusionary, warning that it could disenfranchise millions of Nigerians who lack access to NIN registration.
On electoral transparency, IPAC reiterated its call for the mandatory electronic transmission of election results directly from polling units to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), stressing that this remains a critical safeguard against manipulation. The Council referenced the challenges observed during the 2023 presidential election as a cautionary example that must not be repeated.
Dantalle further decried what he described as weakened penalties for vote buying under the new law, noting that the trend continues to undermine public confidence in the electoral process. He renewed calls for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to ensure accountability and deter electoral malpractice.
The IPAC Chairman disclosed that the Council has formally appealed to the National Assembly to repeal the Electoral Act 2026 in the broader interest of credible and transparent elections. He also urged development partners and the international community to lend diplomatic support toward safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
He emphasised that rebuilding public trust in the electoral system requires leadership grounded in integrity, accountability, and transparency, warning that voter apathy and distrust will persist unless urgent reforms are implemented.
Looking ahead to the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, Dantalle called on INEC to demonstrate maximum preparedness, professionalism, and efficiency, particularly in the deployment of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the IReV portal.
He stressed that there must be zero tolerance for operational lapses, as the credibility of the Commission and the confidence of Nigerians depend on the assurance that every vote will count.
Dantalle reaffirmed IPAC’s commitment to promoting political stability, credible elections, and democratic consolidation, pledging continued constructive engagement with stakeholders to build a more inclusive and resilient electoral system.
