Inter-Party Advisory Council Threatens Boycott of 2027 Elections Over Electoral Act 2026

photo credit: ipac.ng

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has warned that political parties may boycott the 2027 general elections if the National Assembly fails to amend contentious provisions in the Electoral Act 2026.

The council said unresolved concerns raised by political parties could lead to the rejection of the election outcome as illegitimate by parties operating under its platform.

The warning was contained in a communiqué issued after IPAC’s Expanded General Assembly meeting in Abuja. The statement was jointly signed by the council’s Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, and National Secretary, Maxwell Mgbudem.

IPAC stated that certain provisions in the newly enacted electoral law could undermine political party development and weaken Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system.

The council outlined six key demands which it said must be addressed through urgent amendments by the National Assembly.

Among the demands is the restoration of indirect primaries, with IPAC arguing that political parties should retain the constitutional authority to determine how their candidates are nominated.

The council also called for the removal of the requirement that party members must provide and upload their National Identification Number (NIN), warning that the provision could disenfranchise many Nigerians who lack access to the national identification system.

IPAC further demanded the deletion of Sections 77(4), (5), (6) and (7) of the Electoral Act, stating that the provisions infringe on citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of association.

Another major concern raised by the council is the absence of mandatory electronic transmission of election results after they are announced at polling units. According to IPAC, the issue generated significant controversy during the 2023 presidential election and should be addressed to strengthen transparency in future polls.

The council also urged lawmakers to introduce stricter penalties for vote buying, which it described as one of the most damaging electoral offences affecting the credibility of Nigeria’s elections.

In addition, IPAC called for the restoration of forged certificates as valid grounds for filing election petitions. It argued that removing the provision could allow individuals with questionable academic credentials to contest and occupy public office.

IPAC stressed that credible leadership is essential for the survival of democracy and warned that weakening such safeguards could damage Nigeria’s democratic institutions and international reputation.

The council also disclosed plans to notify the international community, including organisations such as the United Nations, the European Union and the ECOWAS, as well as governments of the United Kingdom and the United States, about its concerns.

It added that it reserves the right to challenge what it described as objectionable provisions of the Electoral Act in court.

IPAC urged the National Assembly to urgently align the Electoral Act with constitutional provisions to prevent legal disputes and ensure that the 2027 elections are conducted in a free, fair and credible manner.