Atiku, Obi, others hold joint briefing over Electoral Act

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi on Thursday joined other opposition figures in Abuja for a joint news conference to address concerns surrounding the amended Electoral Act 2026.

The briefing, held at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, was themed “Urgent call to save Nigeria’s democracy” and brought together prominent political leaders across multiple opposition parties.

Other figures present included former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, former Cross River governor Liyel Imoke, and African Democratic Congress National Chairman David Mark. Also in attendance were New Nigeria People’s Party National Chairman Ahmed Ajuji, former Kogi West senator Dino Melaye, and Labour Party spokesperson Yunusa Tanko.

The joint appearance signals growing opposition concern over recent changes to Nigeria’s electoral framework, particularly provisions affecting the transmission and management of election results.

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The controversy follows the passage of the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) Bill by the National Assembly on February 17. The amended legislation, including the contentious Section 60(3), was approved by both chambers before being signed into law by President Bola Tinubu the following day.

The amendment has sparked intense public debate, especially over issues related to the electronic transmission of election results in real time, which many stakeholders consider critical to ensuring transparency and electoral credibility.

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Thursday’s joint briefing underscores a rare show of unity among opposition leaders, who say the amendment raises urgent questions about the future of Nigeria’s electoral integrity and democratic process.