Top opposition leaders on Thursday converged on the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja to present a united stance on the recently amended Electoral Act.
Among those in attendance are former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
Also present at the Lagos/Osun Hall of the hotel are former Senate President David Mark; chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Buba Galadima; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Rauf Aregbesola.
Other stakeholders spotted at the venue include ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, Senator Dino Melaye, former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, and former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, among others.
The opposition figures are expected to brief journalists on what they describe as contentious provisions in the new Electoral Act, alongside broader national concerns.
Under the Electoral Act 2022, political parties had the option of choosing candidates through direct primaries involving all registered members, indirect primaries conducted by delegates, or consensus arrangements agreed upon by party leaders.
However, the 2026 Electoral Act recently passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on February 18 limits parties to direct primaries and consensus arrangements only.
The amended law also shortens campaign periods and timelines for party primaries. In addition, funding for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is now to be released six months before an election, instead of the previous 12-month window.
Details of the opposition’s joint position are expected to be made public after their address to the media.
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