Key opposition politicians, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Thursday gathered in Abuja to deliberate on developments surrounding the Electoral Act and other pressing national issues.
The meeting, which is being held at the Lagos/Osun Hall of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, is expected to produce a unified position from the opposition bloc, with participants scheduled to brief journalists after their deliberations.
Among those present are former Senate President David Mark; a leading figure in the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Buba Galadima; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; and the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Rauf Aregbesola.
Other stakeholders spotted at the venue include the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi; Senator Dino Melaye; former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu; and ex-Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, alongside other political actors.
The Electoral Act 2022 had allowed political parties to select candidates through direct primaries involving all registered members, delegate-based indirect primaries, or consensus arrangements agreed by party leadership.
However, the revised Electoral Act recently approved by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on February 18 now limits parties to direct primaries and consensus methods only, a move that has sparked widespread reactions within political circles.
The amendment also reduces campaign and primary election timelines, while stipulating that funds for the Independent National Electoral Commission must be released six months ahead of elections, compared to the earlier provision of 12 months.
The opposition leaders are expected to make their position known after the meeting as consultations continue. Further details are awaited.
