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.