By Micah Jonah, February 28, 2026
Political tensions are heating up as Nigeria’s political parties scramble to meet the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) newly revised timetable for the 2027 elections. With just 91 days until May 30 to conduct primaries and resolve disputes, the race to nominate candidates is on a knife-edge.
Under the revised schedule, presidential and National Assembly elections are set for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls will follow on February 6, 2027. INEC has also mandated the submission of a comprehensive digital membership register at least 21 days before any primary, with non-compliance risking disqualification.
Opposition parties are not hiding their frustration. Ini Ememobong, PDP National Publicity Secretary, said the compressed timeline gives the ruling APC an “undue advantage,” warning that smaller parties might struggle to comply. Similarly, Bolaji Abdullahi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused INEC of setting “boobytraps” for the opposition to favor President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
“The timetable is a self-perpetuation plan. The opposition cannot possibly meet these deadlines,” Abdullahi said, describing the digital membership requirement and direct primaries mandate as near-impossible hurdles. Dipo Johnson, NNPP spokesperson, echoed the sentiment, warning that opposition parties are “at a disadvantage and under pressure” while the APC faces none.
Some critics have even questioned INEC’s authority to dictate the precise timing of primaries. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, former presidential candidate, described the move as an overreach, claiming the electoral body’s role is only to enforce statutory deadlines, not dictate internal party processes.
The APC, however, dismissed opposition complaints as politically motivated. Ajibola Basiru, the party’s National Secretary, said the timetable aligns with the law and that opposition parties should seek legal redress if dissatisfied.
INEC itself defended the schedule, with Mohammed Haruna, National Commissioner, explaining that the commission is bound by the Electoral Act and budgetary constraints. Haruna acknowledged the tight schedule but emphasized that parties are capable of compliance if they act swiftly.
Amid the scramble, political alignments are already forming. The South-South ADC has endorsed former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi for the party’s presidential ticket. Regional leaders commended Amaechi for informing them of his candidacy before building his campaign structure, pledging full support.
As the clock ticks down to May 30, Nigeria’s political stage is set for a high-stakes showdown. With opposition parties feeling the squeeze and the ruling party poised for advantage, the primaries are shaping up to be a test of organization, strategy, and speed.
The country watches as the first decisive moves toward the 2027 elections unfold, with little room for error.
