Abuja, Nigeria – February 26, 2026 — Leading figures from Nigeria’s major opposition parties and influential political stakeholders gathered behind closed doors at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Thursday, February 26, 2026, to adopt a common position on the recently amended Electoral Act 2022 (as amended). The high-level meeting, held in the Lagos/Osun Hall of the hotel, brought together former presidential candidates, ex-governors, senators, and party chieftains united by concerns over what they have described as contentious provisions in the new legislation.
Key attendees included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (Peoples Democratic Party, PDP), the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi (who defected from the All Progressives Congress in 2024), former Senate President David Mark, and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) stalwart Buba Galadima. Also present were African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, Senator Dino Melaye, former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, and former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke.
The gathering, described by participants as a strategic consultation among opposition heavyweights, focused on dissecting the Electoral Act amendments passed by the National Assembly in late 2025 and assented to by President Bola Tinubu in January 2026. Sources close to the meeting indicated that discussions centered on provisions perceived to undermine electoral transparency, party autonomy, and the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Among the sections drawing the strongest criticism are those relating to the electronic transmission of election results, the powers of INEC to review and alter declared results in certain circumstances, the use of technology in voter accreditation and result collation, and new guidelines on political party primaries and candidate substitutions. Opposition voices have argued that some of these changes tilt the playing field in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by granting excessive discretionary powers to the electoral umpire and potentially limiting judicial oversight of election outcomes.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of growing calls for electoral reform ahead of the 2027 general elections. Critics of the amendments, including civil society organizations and legal experts, have warned that certain clauses could erode public confidence in the electoral process if not addressed. Proponents, including some APC lawmakers, maintain that the updates strengthen INEC’s operational efficiency, curb electoral malpractice, and align with technological advancements in election management.
Participants at Thursday’s session are expected to issue a joint communiqué or hold a press briefing later in the day to outline their collective stance and proposed next steps. Insiders suggest the group may advocate for targeted legal challenges, public advocacy campaigns, or legislative pushback through opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly. There is also speculation that the coalition could explore broader opposition unity, including possible alliances or a merged platform for future elections, building on the informal cooperation seen during the 2023 polls.
The presence of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi—two of the most prominent figures in the 2023 presidential race—underscores the significance of the gathering. Both leaders have repeatedly criticized aspects of the current electoral framework, with Obi particularly vocal about the need for credible, transparent, and technology-driven elections. Rotimi Amaechi’s attendance adds weight, given his long-standing critique of the ruling party he once helped build. David Mark, as a respected elder statesman and former Senate President, brings institutional gravitas, while figures like Buba Galadima, Dino Melaye, and Rauf Aregbesola represent diverse regional and ideological interests within the opposition space.
The closed-door nature of the talks at the Transcorp Hilton—long a venue for high-stakes political negotiations in Abuja—reflects the sensitivity of the discussions. No official communiqués had been released by mid-afternoon on February 26, but sources confirmed that the leaders were finalizing a unified message to be shared with journalists and the public.
This development signals a renewed push by opposition elements to challenge what they view as regressive changes to Nigeria’s electoral laws. With less than 18 months until the formal commencement of campaigns for the 2027 elections, the meeting highlights the deepening polarization over the rules governing future polls. Observers will watch closely for the outcome of the press briefing, which could set the tone for opposition strategy in the coming months and potentially influence public discourse on electoral integrity.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the lessons of past elections, Thursday’s convergence of top opposition leaders represents a concerted effort to present a cohesive alternative voice on one of the country’s most critical democratic institutions—the Electoral Act.
