By Joy Onu, Abuja
Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), on Tuesday called for urgent reforms to Nigeria’s electoral framework, warning that lapses in the current system could undermine the credibility of the 2027 General Elections.
Speaking at a consultative meeting between INEC and leaders of political parties at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the IPAC Chairman raised concerns over provisions in the Electoral Act 2026 which he said could weaken Nigeria’s democratic process.
He noted that Nigerians had participated actively in public hearings on constitutional and electoral reforms, expecting a progressive and inclusive law. Instead, he said the current Act represents a significant regression.
“Rather than advancing our democratic journey, it represents a significant regression—one that must be urgently addressed in the national interest,” he said.
The IPAC Chairman expressed particular concern over the mandate for direct primaries, insisting that the choice of candidate selection methods should remain an internal affair of parties.
He also criticised the requirement for political parties to submit membership registers, including members’ National Identification Numbers (NIN), between April 1 and April 21, describing the provision as impractical and potentially exclusionary.
Dantalle further emphasised the need to restore electronic transmission of election results immediately after collation at polling units, stressing that transparency in the process is essential for public trust.
“Electronic transmission of results must be mandatory,” he said, noting that lapses during the 2023 presidential election highlighted the risks of delay.
He also warned that the new Electoral Act appears to weaken penalties for vote buying, an offence that continues to erode public confidence. The Chairman reiterated IPAC’s call for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to ensure accountability and safeguard electoral integrity.
Looking ahead to the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, Dantalle urged INEC to demonstrate preparedness, professionalism, and technological efficiency, particularly in deploying the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
He stressed that public confidence in the electoral system hinges on the assurance that every vote will count.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to promoting credible elections, political stability, and democratic development, while calling on the National Assembly to urgently revisit the Electoral Act 2026 to ensure a transparent and inclusive process for all Nigerians.
