Nigeria’s major opposition parties have declared readiness for the 2027 general elections following the release of the official timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while insisting that only credible and transparent polls will guarantee legitimacy.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) said they are prepared to participate fully in the 2027 elections but stressed that electoral integrity remains non-negotiable.
Key Dates for the 2027 General Elections
According to INEC’s election timetable:
Presidential and National Assembly elections: February 20, 2027
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections: March 6, 2027
Campaign Period
Presidential/National Assembly campaigns: November 18, 2026 – February 19, 2027
Governorship/State Assembly campaigns: December 15, 2026 – March 5, 2027
Party Primaries and Candidate Submission
Party primaries: July 1 – September 30, 2026
Submission of candidates’ lists: October 1 – October 31, 2026
The early release of the timetable is expected to give political parties sufficient time to prepare for primaries, resolve internal disputes, and mobilise supporters nationwide.
PDP Declares Readiness for 2027 Polls
The PDP National Caretaker Committee aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced that the party is fully prepared to comply with INEC’s schedule.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the committee assured members that ongoing internal disputes and litigations would be resolved ahead of the primaries window.
“The PDP is fully prepared to meet all constitutional and regulatory requirements within the stipulated timelines,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, a separate National Working Committee faction of the PDP led by Tanimu Turaki also expressed readiness but conditioned participation on INEC’s ability to guarantee free, fair and credible elections.
Its spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, emphasised that the party would match INEC’s preparedness with its own—provided transparency is assured.
NNPP Questions N873bn Election Budget
The NNPP welcomed the release of the 2027 election timetable but raised concerns over the proposed N873.778 billion budget for the polls.
Party spokesperson Ladipo Johnson described the figure as excessive and called for greater accountability in election spending.
“What are they using that huge amount for?” he queried, questioning whether the allocation reflects investments in result transmission infrastructure or other technological upgrades.
The party urged INEC to justify the election budget and ensure prudent use of public funds.
ADC Pushes for Real-Time Electronic Transmission of Results
The ADC also endorsed the timetable but insisted that credibility hinges on transparent procedures—particularly the real-time electronic transmission of election results.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said public confidence in the 2027 general elections would depend largely on INEC’s technological integrity and operational transparency.
The ADC called on the National Assembly to address ambiguities in the Electoral Act to allow seamless adoption of real-time result transmission where necessary.
“Nigerians have shown, time and again, that they are ready to defend the sanctity of their votes. What is now required is for the electoral umpire to match that civic vigilance with institutional clarity, operational transparency and administrative excellence,” the statement read.
2027 Elections: Credibility at the Centre of Debate
With the 2027 general elections approaching, opposition parties are united on one key demand: credible elections that reflect the will of the people.
While INEC’s early timetable provides a framework for preparation, stakeholders say the ultimate test will be the commission’s commitment to transparency, technological efficiency, and strict adherence to the Electoral Act.
As political activities gradually intensify, the credibility of the electoral process is already shaping the national conversation ahead of 2027.
