INEC Revises 2027 Election Timetable for Primaries

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, granting political parties 91 days to conduct their primaries, which will take place from April 23 to May 30, 2026. The presidential and national assembly elections are set for January 16, 2027, while the governorship elections will occur on February 6, 2027.

Malam Moham Haruna, the INEC chairman, informed the voter education committee about this schedule, which follows amendments to the electoral law. Political parties are required to submit a digital membership register to INEC at least 21 days before their primaries, with non-compliance potentially leading to disqualification of candidates.

Reactions from party officials, including Ini Ememobong of the PDP and Bolaji Abdullahi of the ADC, suggest concerns over the feasibility of the new requirements, with accusations that INEC's changes may favor the ruling APC and disadvantage opposition parties.