Political parties have just 91 days to conduct and conclude primaries following a revised 2027 general elections timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Under the new schedule, presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls are slated for February 6, 2027.
Party primaries must take place between April 23 and May 30, 2026, including the resolution of disputes.
INEC said the adjustment aligns with the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates political parties to submit their digital membership registers at least 21 days before any primary, congress, or convention.
Failure to comply could result in disqualification from fielding candidates.
Opposition Parties Raise Concerns
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) criticised the timetable, describing it as restrictive and politically disadvantageous.
ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi alleged the compressed schedule could prevent opposition parties from meeting deadlines, particularly the requirement for direct primaries and digital membership registration.
Similarly, NNPP officials argued that conducting nationwide direct primaries within weeks would be financially and logistically burdensome.
Some opposition figures claim the timetable indirectly favours the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
APC, INEC Defend Schedule
APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru dismissed the complaints, stating that the timetable strictly follows existing electoral laws.
He advised aggrieved parties to seek legal redress if dissatisfied.
INEC Commissioner Mohammed Haruna maintained that the commission is bound by law and has no discretion to ignore statutory provisions.
He also expressed concerns over delayed budget approvals for election preparations.
As political parties scramble to meet the May 30 deadline for primaries, Nigeria’s 2027 election season has effectively begun — amid rising tensions over compliance, fairness, and preparedness.
