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Political parties kick against 2026 Electoral Act, reject direct primaries

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Political parties in Nigeria have rejected the 2026 Electoral Act, declaring its provisions as a setback to the nation’s democratic progress.

This development came over a month after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the 2026 Electoral Bill into law.

Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Yusuf Dantalle, made this known on Tuesday, saying that the council would convene a general assembly to determine the council’s next line of action, following the body’s engagement with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the contentious provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and other related matters.

Leaders of various political parties in Nigeria under the aegis of IPAC at a meeting with INEC officials in Abuja, Tuesday, had urged the National Assembly to revisit the law.

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Dantalle, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said the parties specifically rejected the clause mandating them to conduct direct primaries, insisting that the choice of candidates’ selection methods should remain the internal affair of political parties.

According to him, IPAC also opposed the requirement for political parties to submit their membership registers, including members’ National Identification Numbers (NIN), within a limited time frame, describing such requirements as impractical and exclusionary.

Dantalle said the provision risked disenfranchising many Nigerians who lacked access to NIN registration facilities, and expressed concern that the law had already formed the basis for INEC’s timetable for the 2027 General Elections, noting that this had placed pressure on political parties, particularly those not in government.

On electoral transparency, IPAC demanded the mandatory electronic transmission of results, stressing that results should be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal immediately after declaration at polling units.

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Dantalle further stated that the Act fell short of public expectations despite wide consultations during its formulation, warning that its provisions could undermine the credibility of future elections if not urgently addressed.

“Nigerians participated actively in the public hearings on the Constitution and Electoral Act amendments, with the expectation that their contributions would culminate in a progressive, inclusive, and people-oriented Electoral Act.

“Unfortunately, the Electoral Act 2026 falls far short of these expectations,” he said.

Speaking further, the IPAC Chairman said rather than advancing Nigeria’s democratic journey, the new Electoral Act represents a significant regression that must be urgently addressed in the national interest, warning that lapses experienced during the 2023 Presidential Election must not be allowed to recur.

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IPAC further raised concerns over what it described as weakened penalties for vote buying in the new law and reiterated the call for the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission to prosecute offenders.

Dantalle said the Council had already appealed to the National Assembly to repeal the Electoral Act 2026 in the interest of credible and transparent elections, urging development partners to support democratic reforms in Nigeria.

This was just as he warned that persistent voter apathy and trust deficit in the electoral process would continue unless decisive reforms were undertaken, but quickly reiterated IPAC’s commitment to fostering political stability, promoting credible elections, and deepening democracy in Nigeria.

Dantalle, however, said that the Council would review the outcome of the engagement with INEC before taking a definitive position.

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“In the interactive session, there are things that we discussed that are not as bad as it was, and we now have some level of understanding with INEC, and we are going to begin to work on such,” he said.

Earlier, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the commission had undertaken a comprehensive review of its 2022 Regulations and Guidelines to align them with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

Amupitan said the exercise culminated in the draft Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2026, which were presented to stakeholders for input.

He noted that credible elections begin long before polling day, stressing that transparency in the processes that produce candidates is critical to electoral integrity.

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INEC chairman explained that the new regulations cover key areas such as registration and merger of political parties, internal party operations, conduct of primaries, political campaigns, party financing, and deregistration procedures.

He said the reforms were aimed at sanitising party primaries, curbing imposition of candidates, and reducing election-related litigations, adding that the commission had also introduced measurable benchmarks to promote the participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities in party activities.

INEC boss disclosed that the commission was working with a compressed timetable for the 2027 General Elections, with the Presidential and National Assembly polls scheduled for January 16, 2027, and the Governorship and State Assembly elections slated for February 6, 2027.

He, however, urged political parties to view the new regulations as safeguards rather than restrictions, emphasising that they were designed to protect the will of the electorate from the nomination stage to the declaration of results.

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Peter Obi advises Tinubu to consider quitting like UK PM

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The Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Presidential Candidate for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider resigning his position, having failed woefully in discharging most of his campaign promises. And having failed to improve the standard of living of the citizens.

Reacting to the announcement of the British Prime Minister’s resignation, which is not unconnected with the complaints of British citizens about their deteriorating standard of living under his watch, Obi, in a tweet he titled “owning up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility”, advised Tinubu to emulate the British PM and save the country from the worsening economic situation.

Writing on his X handle, the 2023 Labour Party presidential flagbearer said, “This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation in July. As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development.

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“The Prime Minister’s planned resignation comes amid mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and a perceived failure to honour key campaign pledges.

“Looking inward in our dear country, we can recall our own situation. Before 2015, our President on several occasions championed the call for the then President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians. During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives.

“During the 2023 election campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments—particularly in providing stable power, fighting corruption, and improving the welfare of Nigerians.

“At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed. We are in the worst possible condition.

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“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance. Such a gesture would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity. It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement, and help build a society in which future leaders understand that failure carries consequences. Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit in a New Nigeria that is possible”

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Enugu North by-election: APC candidate emerges winner

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Chief Ikeje Asogwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has emerged the winner of the June 20, 2026 Enugu North Senatorial District by-election.

Asogwa polled 162,360 votes to defeat his closest rival, Chief Nestor Ezeme of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who scored 9,299 votes.

The by-election was conducted to replace late Senator Okey Ezea, who was representing the district at the time he died on November 18, 2025, at the age of 62.

Announcing the result on Sunday in Nsukka, the Returning Officer of the election, Prof Christian Ezeibe, the Dean, Department of Students Affairs at University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, said Asogwa scored the highest votes in the election to emerge the winner.

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“Asogwa having satisfied the requirements of the law in this election is hereby declared the winner and is returned.

“I thank you all for your cooperation, support and maturity that made the by-election a success,” he said.

According to Ezeibe, the number of registered voters in Enugu North Senatorial District was 727, 340 while 184,094 were accredited in the election.

A breakdown of the result scored by five other candidates showed that Chika Idoko Emmanuel of the African Democratic Party, ADC, polled 1,676 votes while Kingsley Aneke of Boot Party, BP, got 1607 votes.

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Other candidates are Ejike Simon Eze of Labour Party, LP, 1,027 votes, OssElias Okwudiri Ossai of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, 3,129 votes and Charles Ugochukwu of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, 667 votes.

In his acceptance speech, Asogwa, the senator elect, said the outcome reflected the overwhelming support of the residents of the six local government areas that made up the Enugu North Senatorial Zone.

He promised to give the senatorial zone quality and effective representation to justify the massive support and confidence residents had expressed through their votes.

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Official: INEC declares Oyebanji winner of Ekiti 2026 Governorship Election

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Biodun Oyebanji, as the winner of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.

The Returning Officer for the Ekiti State governorship election, Adenike Oladiji, who declared the results at about 3:13 a.m. on Sunday, said that Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes.

Oladiji, a professor and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, said that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oluwole Oluyede, scored 40,543 votes, while Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Party (ADP) polled 12,872 votes.

According to her, a total of 384,940 voters were accredited for the election, with 375,777 valid votes, 6,332 rejected votes, and total votes cast.

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Voting, which began at about 8:31 a.m, ended officially at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, with more than 300,000 voters casting their ballots.

INEC has declared Biodun Oyebanji of the APC as the winner of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.

The Returning Officer for the election, Professor Adenike Oladiji, said the incumbent governor polled 319,224 votes.

She also said that while the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oluwole Oluyede, scored 40,543 votes, Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Party (ADP) polled 12,872 votes.

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2:25 a.m.

Following the conclusion of the collation of results from the 16 LGAs, the Returning Officer for the Ekiti State governorship election and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Professor Adenike Oladiji, says that the results will be transferred to the Form EC8D.


2:22 a.m.

Moba LGA

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ADC- 994

APC – 20,500

PDP – 1,572


2:19 a.m.

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Ekiti East

ADC- 1,730

APC – 26,359

PDP – 2,795

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2:15 a.m.

Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA

ADC- 511

APC – 29,278

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PDP – 2,119

The collation officer said that the result from one of the polling units was cancelled due to over-voting.


2:08 a.m.

Ikole LGA

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ADC- 812

APC – 26,508

PDP – 750


2:04 a.m.

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Aiyekire (Gbonyin) LGA

ADC- 314

APC – 17,133

PDP – 1,563

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1:52 a.m.

Oye LGA

ADC- 998

APC – 18,975

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PDP – 2,891


1:49 a.m.

Ise/Orun LGA

ADC- 365

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APC – 12,908

PDP – 1,627

 


1:40 a.m.

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Ilejemeje LGA

ADC- 579

APC – 8,984

PDP – 1,243

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1:37 a.m.

Ado Ekiti LGA

ADC- 1,054

APC – 38,026

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PDP – 3,817


1:31 a.m.

Ekiti West LGA

ADC- 674

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APC – 28,258

PDP – 3,644


1:26 a.m.

Ido-Osi LGA

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ADC- 561

APC – 17,901

PDP – 1,449


1:22 a.m.

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Ekiti South-West LGA

ADC- 1,076

APC – 14,705

PDP – 1,800

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1:13 a.m.

Ikere LGA

ADC- 245

APC – 11,116

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PDP – 9,892


1:12 a.m.

Ijero LGA

ADC- 2,026

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APC – 25,506

PDP – 2,479


1 a.m.

Efon LGA

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ADC- 201

APC – 8,742

PDP – 2051


12:59 a.m.

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Emure LGA

ADC – 732

APC – 14,325

PDP – 851

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12:57 a.m. The announcement of results from the LGAs has begun.


12:37 a.m. The Returning Officer for the Ekiti State governorship election is the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Professor Adenike Oladiji.


12:35 a.m. INEC has begun the collation of results of the Ekiti State governorship election. The exercise is taking place in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.


11:51 p.m. As of 11:50 p.m., 97.18 per cent of the Ekiti State governorship election results have been uploaded on the INEC IReV portal. Results have been submitted from 2,376 out of 2,445 polling units.

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9:27 p.m. The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, has said that the official collation of the governorship election results from the LGAs will commence at 10 p.m. on Saturday.


9:21 p.m. The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, has explained that 19 political parties were contained in the ballot paper for the Ekiti election to avoid the financial cost of printing fresh ballot papers due to court orders.


8:32 p.m. Shogunle also says one person was arrested for ballot box snatching during the election.


8:23 p.m. Commissioner of Police in charge of security for the Ekiti State governorship election, Abayomi Shogunle, says the police have not received any report of vote buying in the exercise so far.

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7:59 p.m. Yiaga Africa’s Samson Itodo says 24 incidents of violence were reported across 10 local government areas during the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election.


4:35 p.m. INEC has commenced the upload of polling unit results from the Ekiti State governorship election to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV), after the official close of voting.

As of 6p.m. on Saturday, the commission had uploaded 846 results out of the 2,445 expected polling unit results, representing 34.60 per cent of the total.


4:30 p.m. INEC says that all 2,445 PUs were successfully opened for the governorship election earlier in the day. According to the body, 2,257 PUs (92.31 per cent) opened on schedule before 8:30 a.m, while 188 PUs (7.69 per cent) experienced minor delays but commenced voting before 10:30 a.m.

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4 p.m. Voting was still ongoing as of 4 p.m. at Polling Unit 006, where the PDP candidate cast his vote, as some of the voters insisted that they must exercise their civic responsibility.


3:35 p.m. Channels Television correspondent provides an update on the election as collation begins at different polling units in the state.


 

3:40 p.m. Chairman of the Ekiti All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Organisation and Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has said that the outcome of today’s governorship election will be a referendum on the performance of the President Bola Tinubu government, its acceptance, and the popularity of the party in Ekiti State.

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3:13 p.m. Yiaga Africa urges citizens and stakeholders to keep a close eye on the preparedness, transparency, and neutrality in the Ekiti State governorship election.


2:43 p.m. Sorting of votes has commenced at Polling Unit 001, Ado D Ijigbo in Ado LGA. Various party agents and security agents are currently monitoring the exercise.


2:37 p.m. Sorting and counting commenced at Polling Unit 008, Ugele/Arokun ward, Ikere Local Government Area.

But the exercise became rowdy at the polling unit as party officials and members argued over the validity of ballot papers.

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1:50 p.m. Social Democratic Party candidate Olugbenga Obafemi has cast his vote in Ekiti governorshjip election.


12:31 p.m. Candidate of the APC and incumbent governor Oyebanji has dismissed allegations of voter harassment and intimidation raised by the PDP’s Oluyede, describing the conduct of the election as satisfactory.

 

Speaking with journalists after casting his vote at Polling Unit 003, Okelele, Ikogosi-Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government Area, the governor, who was accompanied by his wife, Olayemi, said anyone making such allegations must provide evidence to substantiate their claims.

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He urged eligible voters who had yet to vote to come out and discharge their civic responsibility peacefully.


11:05 A voter and resident of Ikogosi, Fatokun Babatunde, commends INEC and security agencies for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the election process so far.

He also urges the people of Ekiti State to reject violence and uphold peace, stressing that despite political differences, they remain one people united by a common heritage and shared future.


10:19 a.m. Polling Unit 003 in Ikogosi, Ekiti West Local Government Area, awaits the arrival of the APC governorship candidate and incumbent governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who is expected to cast his ballot shortly.

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Channels TV correspondent Eyitope Kuteyi reports a surging crowd at the polling unit, alongside a heavy security presence comprising personnel of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).


10:10 a.m. Africa Democratic Congress candidate Dare Bejide has cast his vote in the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election.

Bejide, however, raised concerns about alleged vote buying


10 a.m. An observer and First Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Sebastian Anyia, says the election process has so far been peaceful and orderly, with voter turnout proving encouraging.

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He expresses optimism that the smooth conduct witnessed will be sustained across all 16 local government areas until the conclusion of the exercise.


9:58 a.m. The PDP governorship candidate, Oluwole Oluyede, has cast his vote in the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election.

He voted in polling unit 006 in Ugele/Arokun ward, Ikere LGA.

Oluwole expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the exercise, saying that most voters at his polling unit had yet to cast their votes due to a problem with the BVAS.

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9:56 a.m. Peoples Democratic Party candidate Oluwole Oluyede has arrived at his polling unit in Ikere LGA to ast his vote in the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election.

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