Political parties across Nigeria have 91 days to conduct and conclude their primaries following the release of a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Under the new schedule announced on Thursday, presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls are slated for February 6, 2027.
In a statement, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, explained that the revised timetable was approved in line with amendments to the Electoral Act. The commission fixed April 23 to May 30, 2026, for the conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the exercises.
The Electoral Act 2026 also mandates political parties to submit their digital membership registers to INEC at least 21 days before any primary, congress, or convention, with non-compliance attracting disqualification from fielding candidates.
Opposition kicks
Opposition parties have criticised the revised timetable, describing it as burdensome and skewed in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The factional National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ini Ememobong, said the party was reviewing the timetable to ensure compliance but argued that the deadlines placed opposition parties under undue pressure.
Similarly, the National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, accused INEC of setting “boobytraps” that could prevent opposition parties from producing candidates. He claimed the timeline, particularly the requirement for a comprehensive digital membership register ahead of primaries, created near-impossible conditions for smaller parties.
Abdullahi further stated that the ADC and other opposition groups had rejected the Electoral Act 2026 and, by extension, the revised timetable, alleging it was structured to favour President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) also expressed dissatisfaction. Its National Publicity Secretary, Dipo Johnson, described the timetable as an attempt to undermine opposition preparedness, arguing that mandating direct primaries nationwide would be costly and difficult to execute within the stipulated period.
A former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, faulted INEC’s decision, saying the commission lacked constitutional authority to dictate when parties should hold their primaries beyond ensuring compliance with submission deadlines. He alleged the adjustment was aimed at weakening opposition parties grappling with internal crises.
APC responds
In response, the APC dismissed the criticisms as politically motivated. The party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, maintained that the timetable was issued strictly in line with the Electoral Act and advised aggrieved parties to seek legal redress if dissatisfied.
According to him, the opposition’s reaction reflected a lack of preparedness for the 2027 elections.
INEC defends schedule
Reacting to the backlash, INEC’s Mohammed Haruna said political parties were entitled to their opinions but stressed that the commission was bound by the law.
He noted that the timelines were guided by statutory provisions and that parties should have anticipated the changes during legislative deliberations. Haruna also raised concerns about funding, revealing that the commission’s 2026 budget had yet to be approved, which could affect preparations such as ballot paper printing and logistics.
South-South ADC backs Amaechi
Meanwhile, the South-South chapter of the ADC has endorsed former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Speaking during Amaechi’s meeting with regional leaders, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun disclosed that the former Rivers State governor formally informed the group of his intention to run for president. He said the zone unanimously agreed to support Amaechi’s ambition, citing limited time before the elections and the need for strategic coordination.
With the countdown to May 30 underway, political parties now face an intense race to complete congresses, update membership registers, and organise primaries in compliance with the new electoral timetable.
