TDFormer National Chairman of the Inter‑Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Chief Peter Ameh, has sharply criticised the National Assembly over its recent decision to remove indirect primaries from the Electoral Act 2026.
Ameh said the decision limits political parties to direct primaries or consensus only, joining voices with senior political figures.
Politicians said the changes amount to a deliberate erosion of party autonomy and an attempt to centralise power.
In a forceful press statement, the former IPAC National Chairman described the amendments as “a legislative overreach tailored to suit one individual and undermine party autonomy.”
He warned that the package of changes will skew the electoral playing field in favour of the incumbent administration.
The changes also includes shorter campaign periods, compressed timelines for primaries, and a reduction in the window for INEC funding from 12 months to 6 months before elections.
Main Allegations in the Statement by Ameh
Abolition of Indirect Primaries: Ameh argues that removing indirect primaries eliminates a key avenue for grassroots and state‑level influence in candidate selection.
It, thereby, concentrates power in national party leadership and, he alleges, in the presidency.
Consensus Option Restricted: The statement notes that the law permits consensus only under restrictive conditions (requiring unanimous written approval).
That effectively narrows parties’ internal choices and reduces flexibility.
Shortened Campaign and Primary Timelines: Ameh noted that the compressed schedule will disadvantage opposition parties.
It will also disadvantage independent aspirants who lack the incumbent’s access to resources and administrative machinery.
Reduced INEC Funding Lead Time: Cutting the lead time for releasing funds to INEC from 12 to 6 months was criticised.
Ameh insisted that it will undermine the commission’s capacity to plan and deliver credible elections.
Constitutional and Democratic Concerns
Chief Ameh frames several of the amendments as ultra vires.
He argued that they intrude on the constitutional autonomy of political parties to manage their internal affairs.
He cited the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to support the view that nomination procedures fall within party jurisdiction.
Therefore, he argued they should not be dictated by statute in a way that removes internal discretion.
The statement accuses the ruling party of hypocrisy — recalling past calls for electronic voting and transparency.
It contended that the new rules are designed to entrench incumbency rather than broaden participation.
Calls to Action
Ameh called on political parties, civil society organisations, and concerned Nigerians to challenge the contested provisions in court without delay.
He argued that judicial review is necessary to protect party sovereignty and democratic norms.
The statement urged stakeholders to defend the integrity of the political process and resist measures that would centralise candidate selection and weaken electoral preparedness.
Political Implications
Observers say the amendments could reshape internal party dynamics by:
- Increasing the cost and logistical burden of nationwide direct primaries, which may favour well‑funded incumbents.
- Reducing the influence of state and local party structures, shifting leverage to national executives.
- Creating administrative pressure on INEC that could affect election planning and delivery.
Legal experts will likely focus on whether the new provisions unlawfully encroach on party autonomy.
They might also probe whether the compressed timelines and funding changes meet constitutional and electoral‑management standards.
Ameh’s statement frames the Electoral Act 2026 amendments as a coordinated effort to centralise control over candidate selection and to tilt electoral mechanics toward incumbency.
The immediate prospect is a legal and political contest.
He urged parties and civil society to seek judicial review.
Meanwhile, the broader debate will centre on whether statutory regulation of primary methods can coexist with constitutional guarantees of party autonomy.
