Abuja, February 20, 2026 – Chief Peter Ameh, former National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), has expressed serious concern over recent amendments to the Electoral Act 2026, warning that the changes undermine Nigeria’s democratic framework and the autonomy of political parties.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Ameh criticized the abolition of indirect primaries, the mandatory use of direct primaries or consensus, the reduction of campaign periods, and the shortened timeline for the release of funds to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He described the provisions as “a legislative overreach tailored to serve the narrow ambitions of a single individual and the ruling party.”
According to Ameh, the shift to direct primaries centralizes candidate selection at the national level, effectively limiting grassroots influence and increasing costs for aspirants. He argued that the changes could grant undue leverage to the incumbent administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while disadvantaging opposition parties and independent-minded candidates.
“The shortening of campaign periods and adjustments to primary timelines tilt the electoral playing field in favor of the ruling party,” Ameh stated. “Similarly, reducing the release of funds to INEC from 12 months to 6 months undermines the Commission’s ability to prepare for credible elections.”
The former IPAC chairman also warned that the amendments may infringe on constitutional guarantees granting political parties autonomy over internal affairs, including candidate nomination procedures. He urged political parties, civil society groups, and concerned Nigerians to challenge the provisions in court to protect democratic integrity.
“Nigeria deserves an electoral framework that promotes inclusivity, fairness, and true internal party democracy—not one engineered to entrench incumbency and centralize control,” Ameh emphasized.
Chief Peter Ameh concluded his statement with a call for vigilance and civic engagement to safeguard the country’s democratic processes.
Chief Peter Ameh
Former National Chairman, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC)
Abuja, February 20, 2026
