Political parties in Nigeria now have 91 days—from April 23 to May 30, 2026—to conduct and finalise primaries that will produce candidates for the 2027 elections, following the release of a revised timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the new schedule, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on 16 January 2027, while the Governorship and State Assembly elections are set for 6 February 2027. INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the revision aligns the electoral calendar with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
Opposition Parties Raise Concerns
Some opposition parties have criticised the timetable as disadvantageous. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, argued that the timeline and legal requirements effectively make it difficult for opposition parties to field candidates. Abdullahi described the schedule as “boobytraps” intended to favor President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) factional National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, acknowledged the compressed timetable puts opposition parties under pressure but said the PDP is reviewing the schedule to ensure compliance. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) spokesperson, Dipo Johnson, also said the timetable disadvantages opposition parties, citing the elimination of indirect primaries as a costly obstacle.
Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim rejected the revised timetable, describing INEC’s move as an overreach. He argued that political parties should have the autonomy to schedule primaries within statutory deadlines without interference from the electoral body.
APC and INEC Respond
The APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, dismissed opposition criticisms, saying the timetable was issued in strict compliance with the Electoral Act and that parties should seek legal redress if they disagree. Haruna also defended INEC, noting that the commission is bound by law and that opposition parties are entitled to their opinions but must comply with the prescribed legal framework.
Haruna expressed operational concerns, pointing to delays in budget approval and the need for timely procurement of election materials, but remained confident that the timetable is workable.
ADC South-South Endorses Amaechi
In a related development, the South-South zone of the ADC, led by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, formally endorsed former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for the ADC presidential ticket for the 2027 elections. Odigie-Oyegun said Amaechi briefed regional leaders on his intentions and received unanimous support, with party members committed to maximising the limited time before elections to pursue their political objectives.
