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Electoral Act: Political parties threaten to boycott 2027 general elections
Registered Political parties in the country under the auspices of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have threatened to boycott the 2027 general elections of the National Assembly failed to revisit and amend some sections of the 2026 Electoral Act recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a communique at the end Nd of its general assembly meeting in Abuja IPAC said some sections of the Electoral Act are not conducive to the development of political parties and efforts at deepening democracy in the country.
The Communique signed by the National Chairman Yusuf M. Dantalle and National Secretary, Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem demanded that the indirect mode of primaries be restored as removing it is an infringement on the constitutional right of political parties to determine their own affairs.
The communique read, “Following extensive deliberations and a thorough review of the recently passed Electoral Act 2026, which was intended to address certain anomalies observed in the Electoral Act 2022, the General Assembly of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) resolved as follows:
“While appreciating the considerable effort and energy invested in the enactment of the new Electoral Act 2026, the Council notes with concern that certain provisions in the Act have introduced new issues that are not conducive to the development of political parties, particularly in view of IPAC’s guiding principle of “Deepening Democracy in Nigeria.
“Unfortunately, there are clear indications that some aspects of the new Electoral Act 2026 undermine this fundamental objective and are inconsistent with the spirit of multiparty democracy.
“It is an established principle, affirmed by several judicial pronouncements, including those of the highest courts in Nigeria, that political parties possess certain fundamental rights in the administration of their internal affairs.
“However, the new Electoral Act 2026 has curtailed this right through Section 84(2), which excludes indirect primaries. IPAC believes that the exclusion of indirect primaries constitutes a violation of the constitutional right of political parties to regulate their internal affairs, including determining the method of nominating their candidates for elections.
“This provision, if left unamended, will significantly undermine political party development and weaken multiparty democracy in Nigeria.
“IPAC has consistently played a pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. When the democratic process came under serious strain during the collation of the 2023 Presidential Election results, the Council stood firmly to resist attempts by certain actors to undermine the process and plunge the country into anarchy.
“In the present circumstances, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) cannot fold its arms. The time to act is now.
“Accordingly, IPAC has resolved to draw the attention of Nigerians and the international community, including the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the United States Embassy, the United Kingdom Embassy, and Nigerians in the diaspora to these concerns.
“The Council insists that the National Assembly must address the observations outlined below as irreducible minimum conditions necessary to guarantee that the 2027 General Elections are free, fair, credible, and inclusive.
“IPAC also reserves the right to approach the courts to challenge the legality of certain objectionable provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
“Should the National Assembly fail to address these anomalies through urgent amendments to the Act, political parties under the umbrella of IPAC will be compelled to boycott the 2027 General Elections. In such circumstances, the outcome of the elections will be rejected as illegitimate and will not be recognized by the political parties.
The group demanded that “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 be allowed to undermine future elections, including the 2027 General Elections”.
They are also demanding stronger penalties for vote buying, saying “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.”
They are also asking for the restoration of forged certificates as grounds for election petitions, adding that “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.”
Renowned African industrialist and philanthropist, Aliko Dangote, has been named among TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2026, reaffirming his standing as one of the most successful and iconic business leaders of his generation.
Dangote joins global influential figures from multiple sectors, including political leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, revered Pope Leo XIV, current head of Catholic Church as well as business and technology leaders including Google CEO Sundar Pichai and YouTube CEO Neal Mohan.
The annual TIME100 list, published on April 15, 2026, recognises global figures whose leadership, ideas, and actions are shaping the future across business, politics, culture, and society. Dangote’s inclusion places him alongside prominent international figures drawn from diverse spheres of global influence.
This marks Dangote’s second appearance on the prestigious TIME100 list, following his first recognition in 2014, when he was honoured for his exceptional impact on business and philanthropy. His return to the list more than a decade later underscores the consistency and scale of his influence on the global stage.
Dangote, who is being recognized for his African industrial drive is the only Nigerian on the list and featured in the titan and innovators category. Other prominent honorees named alongside Dangote in the titan category are Reid Wiseman, Commander of the Artemis II mission to the moon; Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet and Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube.
Also featuring prominently under the titan category are Michael and Susan Dell, the high-profile American tech billionaires and philanthropists best known as the founders of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, a global non-profit that focuses on improving the lives of children living in urban poverty. Included here also is the American designer and billionaire, Ralph Lauren, best known for founding the global lifestyle empire Ralph Lauren Corporation.
Recognized in the Pioneer category are individuals with breakthroughs in Science and Social Advocacy such Kiran Musunuru and Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas, both of whom were cited for medical breakthroughs in genetic therapy as well as Aaron Williams, recognized for advancements in heart transplant readiness.
Influential figures recognized in global entertainment and culture include Ranbir Kapoor, prominent Indian actor; Dakota Johnson, recognized as an actress and cultural icon and Kate Hudson, included for her cultural influence.
As Founder and President of Dangote Group—Africa’s largest indigenous industrial conglomerate—Dangote has played a central role in advancing industrialisation across the continent. Under his leadership, the Group has made landmark investments spanning cement manufacturing, sugar and food processing, agriculture, infrastructure, and lately energy, significantly reducing Africa’s reliance on imports while creating millions of direct and indirect jobs.
In its citation, TIME Magazine highlighted Dangote’s vision of building African industries with local resources for global competitiveness, noting his recent investments in large scale energy and manufacturing infrastructure as emblematic of his long term commitment to Africa’s economic transformation.
Beyond business, Dangote is widely acclaimed for his philanthropic leadership through the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), one of Africa’s largest private philanthropic organisations. The Foundation supports critical initiatives across healthcare, nutrition, education, disaster relief, and economic empowerment, contributing to improved outcomes for vulnerable communities across the continent.
The 2026 TIME100 recognition further reflects a broader global acknowledgement of African leadership, innovation, and enterprise, with Dangote standing as a symbol of the continent’s growing influence in shaping global economic and development narratives.
This latest honour consolidates Aliko Dangote’s legacy as a visionary industrialist and philanthropist, whose work continues to drive sustainable development, inclusive growth, and long term value creation—both within Africa and beyond.
Under his leadership, Dangote Group recently launched Vision 2030, with which Dangote Industries aims to transform from a regional $30 billion conglomerate into a $100 billion global powerhouse by 2030.
This strategy focuses on industrial self-sufficiency for Africa, moving the group from “regional dominance to global relevance”.
Dangote said the roadmap to vision 2030 is divided into phases to “supercharge” the group’s expansion; with phase one spanning 2025-2028 focused on scaling existing businesses—cement, fertilizer, and energy—and optimizing assets for international competitiveness.
The Phase two running from 2028-2030 is for the deployment of new businesses and ventures into global markets to drive the final leap to the $100 billion revenue target. The Dangote Group plans to venture into steel manufacturing, power, and deep-sea ports to tackle industrial bottlenecks across Africa.
This recognition by Time Magazine underscores the growing global acknowledgment of African leadership and innovation, and highlights Aliko Dangote’s enduring influence as a visionary leader committed to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
The 2026 list underscores the expanding global visibility of African leadership and Dangote’s continued influence as a leading industrialist and philanthropist.
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to a five-count amended charge bordering on alleged illegal possession of firearms, filed against them by the Federal Government.
The Department of State Services had, on February 3, 2026, arraigned the defendants on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing, aiding terrorism, and illegal possession of firearms.
Malami was also accused of failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers while in office, in addition to alleged unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm and ammunition.
They had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail by the court.
However, at the resumed hearing on Tuesday, prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court of an amended charge dated April 14, 2026, which he said had been served on the defendants.
Kehinde urged the court to substitute the earlier charge dated February 2, 2026, with the amended one to enable the defendants to take a fresh plea.
Responding, defence counsel, Shaibu Arua (SAN), confirmed receipt of the amended charge.
Consequently, the trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, struck out the earlier charge and discharged the defendants in respect of it.
The court thereafter ordered that the amended five-count charge be read to the defendants.
In the amended charge, the defendants were accused of preparing to engage in acts of terrorism by allegedly possessing firearms without a licence, including a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges.
The offences are said to be contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
After the charge was read, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Following the plea, Kehinde urged the court to fix a date for trial.
However, the defence counsel prayed the court to allow the defendants to continue on the bail earlier granted to them.
The prosecution did not oppose the application.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed May 26 and June 16, 2026, for trial.
The amended charges read: “That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did engage in preparation to commit acts of terrorism by having in your possession and without license, a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm, Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire amongst yourselves in preparation to commit acts of terrorism by having in your possession and without a license a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm, Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar, contrary to Section 26 (1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022 and punishable under Section 26 (3) (a) and (b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022.
“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without a license, did have in your possession a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 3 of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (i) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without a license, did have in your possession Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 (1) (b) (ii) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (i) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without a license, did have in your possession Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of cartridges and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 (1) (b) (ii) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (i) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”
The Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) from enforcing parts of its newly issued Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, pending the determination of a substantive application before the court.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa granted the interim injunction following an ex-parte motion filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPA Nigeria), which is challenging the legality and implementation of the regulations.
The association had approached the court on April 14, 2026, seeking urgent judicial intervention to stop the enforcement of key provisions of the regulatory framework, popularly referred to as the “Deon Consumer Lending Regulations.”
In a ruling delivered after hearing submissions from counsel to the applicant, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), alongside Bolu Agbaje Akadri and Muyiwa Odubela, the court held that the applicant had made a case warranting interim protection pending further hearing.
WASPA Nigeria, in its application, argued that the FCCPC’s regulations would adversely affect its members, who operate within Nigeria’s digital and online consumer lending ecosystem.
The group sought to prevent the commission from implementing, enforcing, or taking any steps under the disputed regulations until the court determines the framework’s legality.
Specifically, the association urged the court to restrain the FCCPC from enforcing various provisions of the regulations, including paragraphs 3, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 24, 27, 29, and 32. It also asked the court to stop the commission from imposing sanctions, penalties, or fines on its members, as well as from issuing directives that could affect their operations.
After considering the motion ex-parte and supporting affidavit sworn by Ayo Stuffman, a Nigerian citizen residing in Lagos, Justice Lewis-Allagoa held that an interim order of injunction was justified in the circumstances.
The court accordingly restrained the FCCPC from enforcing or giving effect to the contested provisions of the regulations, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.
The judge also barred the commission from taking any steps that would interfere with or prevent WASPA members from continuing to provide services or products regulated under the framework.
The FCCPC was restrained from imposing any sanctions or penalties on the association’s members arising from alleged non-compliance with the regulations.
The court prohibited the commission from issuing any further orders or directives relating to the implementation or enforcement of the disputed regulatory framework.
The matter has been adjourned to April 27, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive application.
The order marks a significant temporary setback for the FCCPC, which recently introduced the regulations as part of efforts to strengthen oversight of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital lending and fintech ecosystem.
The framework was designed to address consumer protection concerns, data privacy issues, and unregulated lending practices in the sector.
Stakeholders in the digital services and lending space have continued to raise concerns about the scope and potential impact of the regulations on innovation, compliance costs, and operational freedom.
The court is expected to consider arguments on whether the restraining order should be extended or lifted pending full determination of the suit.
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