The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called for the urgent restoration of indirect primaries in Nigeria’s political system, insisting that political parties must retain the constitutional right to determine how they select their candidates.

The Council also raised concerns over other provisions of the recently passed Electoral Act 2026, warning that failure to address these issues could lead to a boycott of the 2027 general elections.

IPAC National Chairman, Dr. Yusuf Dantalle, disclosed this in Abuja at the press briefing, stressing that while the Electoral Act 2026 sought to address anomalies in the 2022 Act, certain provisions have inadvertently undermined party development and multiparty democracy.

He said that IPAC intends to draw the attention of both Nigerians and the international community, including the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), ECOWAS, and diplomatic missions in Nigeria, to these pressing concerns.

Dantalle said: “Indirect primaries must be restored as it remains the prerogative of political parties to determine the method of selecting their candidates.

“The requirement that members of political parties must possess and upload their National Identification Number (NIN) should be expunged.

“This provision will disenfranchise a significant number of Nigerians who do not have access to NIN and constitutes a violation of their rights under Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“Expungement of Section 77 (4, 5, 6 & 7), these provisions should be removed as they infringe upon the constitutional right of citizens to freedom of association.

“The electronic transmission of election results after announcement at polling units must be restored. Its absence was a major flaw during the 2023 presidential election, and such a lapse must not undermine future elections, including the 2027 General Elections.

“Vote buying remains one of the major electoral malpractices undermining the integrity of elections. IPAC observes that penalties under the new Electoral Act have been weakened. The Council therefore recommends stricter penalties to serve as an effective deterrent.”

Dantalle warned that if the National Assembly fails to amend the Act to address these concerns, political parties under IPAC may refuse to participate in the 2027 elections, declaring any outcomes “illegitimate and unrecognised.”

He added, “The foundation of democracy lies in electing individuals of integrity, credibility, and sound qualifications into public office. IPAC is deeply concerned that the new Electoral Act removes the presentation of forged certificates as grounds for election petitions, thereby creating an avenue for individuals with questionable credentials to occupy public office.

“This development runs contrary to the aspirations of Nigerians for credible leadership and damages the image of the country. Furthermore, the provision conflicts with constitutional provisions that disqualify such persons from holding elective office. The National Assembly must therefore align the Electoral Act with the Constitution to avoid unnecessary judicial burdens on such matters.”