The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally rejected the updated election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing concerns that the new schedule and legal requirements could make it extremely difficult for opposition parties to participate in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that their objection stems from the broader provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. He highlighted that the law mandates parties to submit a fully digitalised membership register across all 36 states within a very short period—a task the ADC considers nearly impossible to achieve in the given timeframe.
“The law expects us to digitalise membership registers in all states and submit them to INEC within the next 32 days while giving notice of our congresses or conventions. Practically, this is almost impossible,” Abdullahi said. He further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of having a significant advantage, noting that the APC began its membership registration in February 2025, giving them more than a year to prepare what opposition parties are now expected to complete in just a month.
Abdullahi described these provisions as deliberate obstacles designed to weaken opposition participation, warning that if not reviewed, the framework could compromise the credibility of the 2027 elections.
Revised Timetable
The INEC timetable adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. Mohammed Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, said the revision was necessary to align the electoral calendar with the new legal requirements.
Key dates for the 2027 elections are now:
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Presidential and National Assembly elections: 16 January 2027
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Governorship and State Assembly elections: 6 February 2027
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Party primaries (including dispute resolution): 23 April – 30 May 2026
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Start of presidential and NASS campaigns: 19 August 2026
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Start of governorship and state assembly campaigns: 9 September 2026
Campaigns must end 24 hours before election day. Additionally, the Osun State governorship poll has been slightly adjusted to 15 August 2026, from the previously scheduled 8 August.
Haruna emphasised that the timetable complies with the constitution and urged all stakeholders to cooperate to ensure credible and peaceful elections. However, opposition parties argue that the tight schedule and stringent requirements could reshape competition if not revisited.
