The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has threatened to boycott Nigeria’s 2027 general elections if the National Assembly of Nigeria fails to urgently amend what it described as controversial provisions in the Electoral Act 2026.
The council warned that failure to address the concerns raised by political parties could lead to a rejection of the election outcome as illegitimate by parties under its umbrella.
IPAC made the declaration in a communiqué issued at the end of its Expanded General Assembly meeting held in Abuja. The communiqué was jointly signed by the council’s Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, and National Secretary, Maxwell Mgbudem.
According to the council, certain provisions in the newly enacted electoral law could undermine the growth of political parties and weaken Nigeria’s multiparty democratic system if left unchanged.
In the communiqué, IPAC outlined six key demands which it said must be addressed through urgent amendments by lawmakers before preparations for the next general election begin in earnest.
One of the major demands by the council is the restoration of indirect primaries, arguing that political parties must retain the constitutional right to determine their preferred method of selecting candidates.
The council also called for the removal of the requirement mandating political party members to possess and upload their National Identification Number (NIN) during party processes, warning that such a provision could disenfranchise many Nigerians who lack access to the national identification system.
IPAC further demanded the deletion of Sections 77(4), (5), (6) and (7) of the Electoral Act, insisting that the provisions violate citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of association.
Another key issue raised by the council is the restoration of mandatory electronic transmission of election results after announcement at polling units.
According to IPAC, the absence of compulsory electronic transmission of results was one of the major controversies that trailed the 2023 Nigerian presidential election and warned that such lapses must not be repeated.
The council also urged lawmakers to introduce stronger penalties for vote buying, describing the practice as one of the most damaging electoral malpractices threatening the credibility of elections in the country.
In addition, IPAC called for the restoration of forged certificates as valid grounds for election petitions, warning that removing the provision could allow individuals with questionable academic or professional credentials to contest and occupy public offices.
The council stressed that credible leadership remains fundamental to democracy and warned that weakening such safeguards could harm Nigeria’s democratic institutions and international reputation.
Beyond domestic engagement, IPAC disclosed plans to notify key international stakeholders about its concerns regarding the Electoral Act.
The council said it would alert the United Nations, European Union, Economic Community of West African States, the United Kingdom, the United States and Nigerians in the diaspora on what it described as problematic provisions in the law.
IPAC also indicated that it reserves the right to approach the courts to challenge sections of the Electoral Act it considers objectionable.
The council therefore urged the National Assembly to urgently align the Electoral Act with constitutional provisions to prevent unnecessary litigation and guarantee that the 2027 general elections are free, fair and credible.
