NEWS
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ABOLISHES INDIRECT PRIMARIES IN ELECTORAL ACT 2026
…as Direct and Consensus Primaries Now Recognised as Sole Methods for Candidate Nomination; Parties Mandated to Submit Digital Membership Registers to INEC
In a sweeping reform aimed at deepening internal democracy and curbing the monetisation of Nigeria’s electoral process, the National Assembly has abolished indirect primaries in the Electoral Act 2026, leaving only direct and consensus primaries as the recognised methods for the nomination of candidates by political parties.
The landmark decision, widely regarded as one of the most consequential amendments in Nigeria’s recent electoral history, was disclosed by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, in a statement issued on Sunday through his media office.
According to Bamidele, Section 84(1-2) of the Electoral Act, 2026 now recognises only direct and consensus primaries, effectively phasing out the indirect primary system that had long been criticised for encouraging excessive financial inducements and limiting broader participation among party members.
He explained that the reform was deliberately crafted to widen participation within political parties and significantly reduce the undue influence of money and elite manipulation in the selection of candidates.
By eliminating delegate-based indirect primaries, the new framework shifts greater decision-making power to party members, ensuring that aspirants engage more directly with their grassroots base rather than a limited pool of selected delegates.
In addition to abolishing indirect primaries, the Electoral Act 2026 introduces stringent compliance measures designed to institutionalise transparency and accountability within party structures.
Under Section 77(1-7), Bamidele revealed that political parties are now required to maintain a digital register of their members, issue membership cards, and submit the updated register to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at least 21 days before conducting primaries, congresses, or conventions.
The Senate Leader stressed that adherence to this provision is mandatory and non-negotiable.
His words:
“A political party shall not use any other register for party primaries, congresses and conventions than the register submitted to the INEC.
“Besides, any political party that fails to submit the membership register within the stipulated time shall not be eligible to field a candidate for that election. These are indeed consequential restraint measures that will deepen internal democracy and reduce the monetisation of politics in the country.”
These provisions are expected to eliminate arbitrary membership lists, prevent last-minute manipulations, and ensure that only verified party members participate in internal electoral processes.
Bamidele further disclosed that the new electoral framework did not emerge overnight but was the product of two years of sustained engagement and consultations with critical stakeholders.
According to him, the reform process involved collaboration with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Civil Society Organisations, and Development Partners.
The extensive consultations were aimed at building consensus around practical reforms capable of strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and restoring public confidence in the electoral process.
The Senate Leader emphasised that the Electoral Act, 2026 is fundamentally designed to enhance transparency, strengthen institutional independence, and improve accountability within Nigeria’s election management system.
Observers note that the abolition of indirect primaries may significantly reshape internal party politics ahead of future elections, compelling aspirants to cultivate broader support bases and limiting the dominance of money-driven delegate politics.
As the country prepares for subsequent electoral cycles, the implementation of these reforms will be closely watched by political actors, civil society groups, and the electorate, who see the amendments as a decisive step toward consolidating d
emocratic governance in Nigeria.