Electoral Act Amendment: Statutory Delegates To Vote In 2026 Party Primaries

Senate Plans Electoral Act Amendment to Reinstate Statutory Delegates

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has announced that the 2022 Electoral Act will be amended to allow statutory delegates to participate in party primaries in 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a meeting with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) leadership in Abuja on Monday, Akpabio described the exclusion of statutory delegates from party primaries as a major oversight that must be corrected.

Why the Amendment Is Necessary

According to Akpabio, the 2022 Electoral Act unintentionally excluded statutory delegates from primary elections, which led to an imbalance in the selection process. He explained that this exclusion created a privileged group of “super delegates,” limiting broader participation in the electoral process.

“In the 2023 elections and the 2022 primaries, we inadvertently created what I may call ‘super delegates’ because all statutory delegates—including the President, Vice President, Governors, Deputy Governors, Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, National and Sub-National Assembly members, and local government chairmen—were excluded from voting,” Akpabio stated.

He emphasized that democracy thrives on inclusivity and mass participation, adding that removing statutory delegates had significantly reduced the number of voters in the presidential primaries.

Proposed Reforms in Electoral Processes

The Senate President also highlighted concerns about the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) having excessive power in determining candidates.

“We need to revisit the powers we granted INEC. Right now, the commission has the final say on who becomes a candidate, rather than the political parties. Parties should have the autonomy to choose candidates who align with their manifesto and have a strong track record of leadership.”

Call for Reform in the Legal Sector

Beyond electoral reforms, Akpabio urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to rid the legal profession of unqualified practitioners. He expressed concerns about individuals who falsely claim to be lawyers, calling for stricter enforcement against such misconduct.

“Some individuals, including senior lawyers, were never properly called to the bar. The NBA must take responsibility in sanitizing the legal profession.”

NBA’s Call for Justice Sector Reforms

In response, NBA President, Mr. Afam Osigwe, called on the National Assembly to push for reforms in Nigeria’s justice delivery system. He emphasized the need for more efficient and transparent judicial processes to strengthen democracy.