Electoral Act 2026’s Ouster Clause Threatens Party Primaries, Experts Warn

As major parties begin direct primaries for the 2027 elections, aspirants are reporting manipulation, wrongful vote counts and other irregularities. But Section 83(5) and (6) of the Electoral Act 2026 bars courts from hearing disputes over internal party affairs and imposes punitive costs on anyone who challenges results. Legal experts say this blanket ouster contradicts the 1999 Constitution’s guarantee of judicial review, fair hearing and access to justice. Landmark rulings like Inakoju v. Adeleke and Amaechi v. INEC affirmed courts’ power to oversee party processes. They urge the Nigerian Bar Association, Senior Advocates and civil society to challenge the unconstitutional clause and call for urgent amendments to protect internal democracy.

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