The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has threatened to boycott the 2027 general elections if the National Assembly of Nigeria fails to amend what it described as contentious provisions in the Electoral Act 2026.
The council warned that if the concerns raised by political parties are not addressed, the outcome of the elections would be rejected as illegitimate and would not be recognised by parties under its umbrella.
IPAC issued the warning in a communiqué at the end of its Expanded General Assembly meeting held in Abuja.
The communiqué was signed by the council’s Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, and National Secretary, Maxwell Mgbudem.
According to the council, several provisions in the newly enacted electoral law could undermine the growth of political parties and weaken Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system if not urgently reviewed.
IPAC listed six key demands that it said must be addressed through amendments by the National Assembly.
Among them is the restoration of indirect primaries, which the council said would allow political parties to determine their preferred method of nominating candidates for elections.
The organisation also called for the removal of the requirement compelling political party members to possess and upload their National Identification Number (NIN), arguing that the provision could disenfranchise many Nigerians who do not have access to the national identification system.
In addition, IPAC demanded the expungement of Sections 77(4), (5), (6) and (7) of the Act, which it claimed infringe on citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of association.
The council further urged lawmakers to restore mandatory electronic transmission of election results after they are announced at polling units.
According to IPAC, the absence of a clear legal requirement for electronic transmission was one of the major controversies surrounding the 2023 presidential election, warning that such issues must not recur in future polls.
The council also called for stronger penalties against vote buying, which it described as one of the most damaging electoral malpractices affecting the credibility of elections in the country.
It also demanded the restoration of forged certificates as valid grounds for election petitions, warning that the removal of the provision could allow individuals with questionable credentials to contest and occupy public offices.
IPAC stressed that credible leadership remains fundamental to democracy and cautioned that weakening safeguards in the electoral law could harm Nigeria’s democratic institutions and international reputation.
The council disclosed that it would also draw the attention of the international community to the matter, including the United Nations, European Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the governments of the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as Nigerians in the diaspora.
It added that it reserves the right to seek judicial intervention to challenge what it described as objectionable provisions in the Electoral Act.
IPAC therefore urged the National Assembly to urgently align the law with constitutional provisions to avoid litigation and ensure that the 2027 elections are credible, free and fair.
