BREAKING: Delegate System Abolished as Tinubu Signs New Electoral Act Amendment

In a major shift in Nigeria’s electoral process, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed into law a new amendment to the Electoral Act, officially abolishing the use of indirect primaries (delegate system) by political parties.

The amendment, earlier passed by the National Assembly and forwarded to the President for assent, removes the long-standing delegate-based method of selecting party candidates for elections.

Under the new law, political parties are now restricted to only two approved methods for nominating candidates:

1. Direct Primaries:

Every registered member of a political party is entitled to vote directly in the selection of candidates. This establishes a “one member, one vote” system, expanding participation beyond a limited group of delegates.

2. Consensus:

Political parties may adopt a consensus arrangement where aspirants voluntarily step down in favour of a single agreed candidate. However, such agreement must be mutual and voluntary among all aspirants involved.

With the elimination of indirect primaries, the power to decide party flag bearers now rests with the broader membership base rather than a select group of delegates.

Political analysts believe the reform could significantly reshape internal party politics, enhance grassroots participation, and reduce the influence of money and elite control in candidate selection processes.