General News
Direct Primaries Only? Critics Warn Electoral Act 2026 Amendment Favours Incumbency
The recent amendment to the Electoral Act 2026 by the National Assembly, which abolishes indirect primaries and limits political parties to only direct primaries or consensus, has sparked strong criticism from former Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Chairman, Chief Peter Ameh.
In a statement issued on February 20, 2026, Ameh described the changes as a “deeply troubling development” for Nigeria’s democracy. He highlighted several provisions that, in his view, undermine internal party democracy and give undue advantage to the ruling party.
According to Ameh, the mandate for direct primaries coupled with consensus only as a restrictive alternative requiring unanimous written approval, centralizes candidate selection in Abuja, effectively empowering the presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) while sidelining grassroots influence.
“The shift to direct primaries will not enhance internal democracy; it makes primaries expensive, logistically difficult, and exposes membership and voting processes to manipulation from the centre,” Ameh said.
He also criticized the reduction of campaign periods and shortened timelines for party primaries, which he said disproportionately disadvantaged opposition parties and independent aspirants. Additionally, the move to reduce the release of funds to INEC from 12 months to 6 months before elections undermines the Commission’s ability to organize credible polls.
Ameh warned that these provisions constitute legislative overreach, infringing on the autonomy of political parties guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution. He called on political parties, civil society groups, and concerned Nigerians to challenge the Act in court.
“Nigeria deserves an electoral framework that promotes inclusivity, fairness, and true internal party democracy not one engineered to entrench incumbency and centralize control,” he said.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged voters, political parties, and security agencies to maintain calm, orderliness, and restraint ahead of Saturday’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the states of Kano and Rivers.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conduct polls in the six area councils of the FCT, as well as bye-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies in Rivers State, and Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.
In a statement, President Tinubu called on all eligible voters to participate without fear, stressing that democracy thrives in an atmosphere of tolerance and mutual respect. He appealed to political parties and candidates to avoid violence, inflammatory statements, or any actions that could undermine the electoral process.
The president also warned against intimidation or any form of disenfranchisement, emphasizing that security personnel are deployed to protect lives, property, and the integrity of the vote.
He further urged INEC to ensure smooth accreditation, accurate collation, timely transmission of results, and measures that strengthen voters’ confidence, in line with the 2026 Electoral Act.
“Fellow Nigerians, I commend your civic consciousness and assure you that these elections will reflect the will of the people, strengthening our democratic journey,” President Tinubu said.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on voters, security agencies, and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct themselves in an orderly manner during Saturday’s polls in the Federal Capital Territory and the states of Kano and Rivers.
The President issued the call in a statement on Friday. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, signed the press release detailing the President’s appeal.
INEC will conduct elections in the six area councils of the FCT and bye-elections in the Ahoada East II and Khana II State constituencies of Rivers State, and in the Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.
President Tinubu urged all eligible voters to come out and vote without fear, emphasising that the democratic process thrives best in an atmosphere of calm, tolerance, and mutual respect.
He appealed to political parties, candidates, and their supporters to shun violence, inflammatory statements, and actions that undermine the credibility of the process.
He cautioned against any form of high-handedness, intimidation, or actions that could disenfranchise voters or erode public trust, stressing that security personnel are present to protect lives, property, and the sanctity of the ballot.
President Tinubu appealed to the Commission to take all necessary measures to bolster voters’ confidence by ensuring timely accreditation, smooth voting processes, accurate collation, and prompt transmission of results, in line with the 2026 Electoral Act.
Onanuga quoted the President as assuring Nigerians of continued government support for institutions responsible for delivering free, fair, and credible elections.
“Fellow Nigerians, I assure you that the Federal Government under my administration will continue to support institutions responsible for delivering free, fair, and credible elections,” President Tinubu said.
“To all residents of the FCT, Kano and Rivers, I commend your civic consciousness. I am confident that these elections will reflect the will of the people and further strengthen our democratic journey as a nation,” the President added.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says Nigeria has recorded a significant increase in birth registration over the past two years, with 14 million children officially registered.
UNICEF Country Representative to Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House in Abuja on Friday.
Abdelatef described birth registration as the first right of every child, noting that it ensures children are counted, recognised, and legally identified. She said the progress recorded in Nigeria within two years is remarkable.
“Birth registration is the first right of every child to be counted and recognised. I have served in many places, but I have not seen this level of progress achieved within two years,” she said.
She added that the birth registration system is being digitalised at health facilities nationwide to improve efficiency and access.
According to her, a bill currently before the National Assembly is also expected to strengthen the process, attributing the progress to strong national leadership.
Abdelatef commended the First Lady for her leadership and commitment to initiatives that impact children and families across the country.
She also referenced her participation at events hosted by the First Lady, including the launch of a food bank and engagements linked to the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In her remarks, Tinubu acknowledged UNICEF’s longstanding support to Nigeria, emphasising that birth registration must continue until every Nigerian child is documented.
“Every child counts,” she said, stressing that legal identity and nationality are essential for integrating children into health and social services.
The First Lady said she was encouraged by the progress recorded but noted that more work remains to be done.
“We have to keep at it and make sure that every child is counted. It is not just about birth registration alone; we are also looking at birth certificates,” she said.
Tinubu also highlighted the importance of accurate population data, noting that Nigeria has not conducted a census in many years. She said focusing on registering children would help the government better plan for health, education, and other social services.
While expressing satisfaction with improvements in birth registration, the First Lady raised concerns over the high rates of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and child and maternal mortality in the country.
“Nigeria has a huge population.
When it comes to tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and child and maternal mortality, the numbers are still high, and that is worrisome,” she said.
She, however, assured that the current administration is taking steps to address these challenges and position the country for a better future.
Tinubu thanked UNICEF for its continued partnership and pledged further collaboration, noting that the organisation has consistently provided reliable data to support government planning and policy implementation.