Electoral Act: Senate rejects fresh amendment as Atiku, Obi, Amaechi push back - Punch Newspapers

AI Summary

Opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, representing the African Democratic Congress and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, urged the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act 2026, calling it anti‑democratic. The Senate responded by rejecting the request and advised the leaders to address their concerns through the legislative process. The 2026 amendment limits party candidate selection to direct primaries and consensus arrangements, and shortens campaign and primary timelines. The decision maintains the current electoral framework ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties expected to continue lobbying within the Assembly.

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Reported by 3 sources: Punch Nigeria, The Cable, Premium Times.