The Senate has defended key provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act, saying the law was designed to curb vote-buying in party primaries and strengthen internal party democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the provisions limiting political parties to direct primaries or consensus arrangements were deliberate and followed consultations with political actors, civil society groups and development partners.
Speaking in an Easter message issued in Abuja on Sunday, Bamidele said the law was not imposed by the National Assembly. He said it was intended to dismantle the delegate system, which he described as vulnerable to manipulation and the influence of money in politics.
According to him, the changes are meant to give ordinary party members a more direct role in choosing candidates for elective offices.
He also rejected criticism from opposition parties, especially the African Democratic Congress, which has alleged that some sections of the law were inserted to weaken its chances against the ruling party in the 2027 elections.
Bamidele said the provisions were based on stakeholder consensus rather than legislative fiat. He added that the new framework reflects global democratic practice and is aimed at making party decision-making more transparent.
He also defended the requirement for political parties to submit digital membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission within a stipulated period. He said the measure would help prevent powerful outsiders from hijacking internal party processes.
According to him, party membership should not be treated as a mere formality, but as the foundation of internal democracy and collective decision-making.
In the same message, the Senate condemned recent attacks in Plateau and Kaduna states and said the National Assembly was working with federal and state authorities to address insecurity across the country.
Bamidele said the ongoing amendment of the 2022 Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act forms part of wider legislative efforts to impose stiffer penalties on kidnappers, their financiers and informants.
He said the National Assembly remained committed to measures aimed at improving security and stability across the country.
