By Our Correspondent

National News – Former presidential candidate and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has criticised the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the 2027 general elections.

He warned that the schedule could increase political tension and destabilise political parties across the country.

Olawepo-Hashim described the electoral calendar as unlawful, insensitive and difficult to implement.

He argued that it overlaps with major Muslim religious activities such as the Hajj pilgrimage and Ileya celebrations.

According to him, combining party primaries with periods already linked to security and logistics challenges could create avoidable disruptions nationwide.

The former presidential candidate said party primaries often trigger internal disputes and heightened political activities.

He stressed that INEC should allow enough time for transparent and peaceful processes.

He added that compressing political exercises into a sensitive religious period could worsen instability ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking through a statement issued by his media office on Sunday, Olawepo-Hashim disclosed that he had earlier written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the letter urged the Presidency to ensure that INEC strictly complied with the provisions of the Electoral Act while implementing the election timetable.

However, he noted that no response had been received.

Olawepo-Hashim also referenced Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act.

He noted that political parties are expected to submit candidates’ names at least 120 days before elections.

According to him, the law already provides enough time for parties to conclude their primaries without rushing the process.

He warned that failure to review the timetable could erode public confidence in the electoral process and deepen political tensions before the 2027 general elections.