Olawepo-Hashim Critiques INEC Timetable for 2027 Elections

Olawepo-Hashim expressed concerns regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) timetable for the 2027 general elections, labeling it as insensitive and unworkable. Speaking in Abuja, he argued that the tight electoral calendar does not provide political parties with adequate time to conduct internal primaries democratically.

He highlighted that the current schedule could exacerbate internal conflicts within the political landscape. In an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he urged adherence to the provisions of the Electoral Act, which allows parties until mid-September to complete their nomination processes.

Olawepo-Hashim warned that the combination of political primaries with significant religious periods, such as Hajj and Eid al-Adha, could heighten tensions and disrupt the electoral process. He emphasized that the Electoral Act already provides sufficient timelines for nominations without resorting to a chaotic schedule, and he called for a review of the timetable to prevent further political tension and erosion of public confidence in the electoral process.