By Anayo Akwitti
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, says the 2026 Electoral Act was based on stakeholders’ consensus, not legislative imposition as alleged by opposition parties.
In an Easter message on Sunday, Bamidele dismissed claims, particularly by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), that key provisions of the law are designed to weaken opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
He maintained that all sections of the Act were agreed upon by stakeholders, including civil society groups and development partners, and align with global best practices.
Bamidele defended the requirement for political parties to submit a digital membership register to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying it promotes transparency and prevents the hijack of party structures.
He also justified the adoption of direct primaries or consensus for candidate nomination, noting that the move is aimed at ending delegate-based manipulation and strengthening internal democracy.
The Senate Leader urged political actors to abide by the rules and embrace unity, while condemning recent killings in Plateau and Kaduna states.
He added that the National Assembly is working with relevant authorities to strengthen security through ongoing legislative measures
