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 controversial provisions in the Electoral Act 2026.
The council warned that if the concerns raised by political parties are ignored, the outcome of the elections would be rejected and considered illegitimate by parties under its umbrella.
The threat was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the council’s Expanded General Assembly meeting in Abuja.
The communiqué was jointly signed by Yusuf Dantalle, Chairman of IPAC, and the council’s National Secretary, Maxwell Mgbudem.
According to the council, certain provisions in the recently enacted Electoral Act could undermine the development of political parties and weaken Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system.
Among its demands, IPAC called for the restoration of indirect primaries, arguing that political parties should have the constitutional right to determine how their candidates are nominated for elections.
The council also opposed the provision requiring political party members to possess and upload their National Identification Number (NIN), warning that such a requirement could disenfranchise many Nigerians who lack access to the identification system.
IPAC further demanded the expungement of Sections 77(4), (5), (6), and (7) of the Electoral Act.
According to the council, these provisions infringe on citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of association.
The council also insisted on the restoration of mandatory electronic transmission of election results after announcement at polling units.
IPAC noted that the absence of mandatory electronic transmission was one of the major controversies surrounding the 2023 presidential election and warned that such lapses should not be repeated.
IPAC further urged lawmakers to introduce stronger penalties for vote buying, which it described as one of the most damaging electoral malpractices affecting the credibility of elections in Nigeria.
The council also demanded that forged certificates be restored as valid grounds for election petitions, warning that removing the provision could allow individuals with questionable credentials to contest for public office.
According to IPAC, credible leadership remains fundamental to the survival of democracy.
The council also disclosed plans to notify the international community about the issue, including the United Nations, European Union, ECOWAS, as well as the governments of the United Kingdom and the United States.
IPAC said it also reserves the right to approach the courts to challenge what it described as objectionable provisions in the Electoral Act.
The council therefore urged the National Assembly to urgently align the Electoral Act with constitutional provisions to prevent unnecessary litigation and ensure that the 2027 elections are free, fair and credible.