by Chibuike Nkwede
The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has defended key provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act, maintaining that the legislation was the outcome of broad stakeholder consultations and is pointed at strengthening internal party democracy and curbing electoral malpractice.
In his Easter message released on Sunday through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Bamidele dismissed allegations by opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), that certain sections of the law were deliberately crafted to undermine them ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He maintained that every provision of the Act emerged from extensive engagements involving civil society organisations, development partners, and political stakeholders, stressing that the reforms are in line with global democratic best practices rather than narrow political interests.
Addressing concerns over Section 77(1–7) of the Act, which mandates political parties to submit a digital register of members to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Senate Leader said the provision was introduced to enhance transparency and prevent unjustified interference by non-members in party affairs.
According to him, every party member has the right to participate in the decision-making process of his or her political party, making a functional and transparent membership register essential.
He explained that the digital register is designed to prevent powerful individuals who are not bona fide members of a political party from hijacking its internal processes and influencing critical decisions.
Bamidele also defended Section 84 of the Act, which limits candidate nomination methods to either direct primaries or consensus.
He argued that the provision is intended to eliminate the delegate system, which, according to him, has often encouraged vote buying and manipulation by wealthy political actors during party primaries.
“The final decision is now in the hands of party members. It is no longer a process where aspirants openly display cash at the venues of party primaries to compromise delegates. This new law reinforces the principle of majority rule, which sits at the heart of democracy,” he said.
The Senate Leader noted that the reforms are specifically designed to deepen internal party democracy by giving more members a direct voice in the selection of candidates, thereby strengthening the principle of majority rule.
Drawing from the significance of Easter, Bamidele urged political leaders and parties to embrace sacrifice, tolerance, and respect for laid-down rules in order to promote peace and stability in Nigeria’s democratic system.
He stressed that sustainable democracy can only thrive where political actors demonstrate discipline, mutual respect, and collective adherence to laws enacted for the common good.
Bamidele also condemned the recent armed attacks in Plateau and Kaduna states, describing them as unacceptable and a serious threat to national stability.
He assured Nigerians that the National Assembly is working closely with the Federal Government and state authorities to address insecurity through legislative measures, including ongoing amendments to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
The Senate Leader expressed confidence that strengthened laws would impose tougher penalties on perpetrators, financiers, and collaborators involved in violent crimes, adding that efforts are underway to guarantee security across all parts of the country.