APC Urged to Nurture Political Diversity as Controversy Mounts Over 2026 Electoral Act Provisions

Hon. Oke Rotimi Michael warns against a one-party state in Nigeria, citing the 2026 Electoral Act and the targeting of Governor Adeleke's Accord Party.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 1, 2026, 8:45 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Vanguard News

The Erosion of Democratic Pluralism

In a sharp critique published on May 1, 2026, Hon. Oke Rotimi Michael argues that Nigeria’s democracy is at a dangerous crossroads. Michael contends that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is shifting away from the democratic ideals its leaders once championed during the era of military rule. He notes that true democracy requires a vibrant opposition to act as a watchdog, yet the current political climate is increasingly defined by the marginalization of opposing voices. This trend, he warns, fosters complacency and impunity among those in power while alienating the masses.

Controversy Over the 2026 Electoral Act

Central to the current friction is the recently signed Electoral Act 2026. Critics, including Michael, allege that the Act was passed without sufficient consultation or consensus-building. While proponents highlight digital reforms like mandatory BVAS and real-time result transmission, the opposition points to "stringent adherence periods" that disproportionately favor the ruling party's established machinery. Furthermore, recent amendments to the Act have introduced strict penalties for dual party membership, a move that the SACP and other groups claim is a direct attempt to fracture long-standing political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Defense of the Accord Party

Michael highlights a specific concern regarding the potential deregistration of the Accord Party. Contrary to claims that it is a "sleeping" entity, he points out the party's recent successes: