Opposition Rejects INEC Timetable, Alleges Plot to Favour APC

Opposition political parties have rejected the revised timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general elections, alleging that the new schedule is designed to favour the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

INEC had initially scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections for March 6, 2027. However, following concerns that the dates overlapped with the Ramadan period, the Senate amended Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, reducing the mandatory notice period from 360 days to 300 days.

The adjustment enabled INEC to reschedule the Presidential and National Assembly elections to January 16, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections to February 6, 2027.

Under the Electoral Act 2026, political parties must submit digital membership registers before conducting primaries, congresses, or conventions. Failure to comply could result in disqualification from fielding candidates. The law requires detailed member information, including names, dates of birth, addresses, polling units, National Identification Numbers (NINs), and photographs, submitted in both hard and soft copies.

With party primaries set to run from April 23 to May 30, 2026, opposition parties argue that the requirement to submit updated digital registers by early April leaves limited time for compliance.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) described the timetable as exclusionary, citing Sections 77 and 82 of the Electoral Act 2026. The party said the April 2 deadline, roughly a month away, creates what it termed a near-impossible hurdle that could prevent some parties from participating fully in the elections.

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Similarly, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) criticised the compressed timeline, arguing that it disproportionately benefits the ruling party.

APC, INEC Defend Process

Responding to the allegations, APC chieftain Samuel Kehinde dismissed claims of bias, stating that the law and guidelines were transparent and applied equally to all parties. He maintained that the provisions were publicly debated before becoming law and were not designed to favour any specific political group.

Kehinde urged opposition parties to focus on internal organisation rather than blaming institutions. According to him, electoral success depends on preparedness, discipline, and compliance with established procedures.

Meanwhile, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan appealed for public understanding, acknowledging that while the commission would strive to deliver credible elections, absolute perfection might not be achievable. He reiterated the commission’s commitment to electronic transmission of results, noting that operational improvements were ongoing.

The controversy surrounding the revised timetable signals the beginning of heightened political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, as parties race to meet compliance deadlines while debating the fairness of the new electoral framework.