Dalena Reporters l Saturday, February 28, 2026
Abuja — Nigeria’s major political parties are intensifying preparations to meet a May 2026 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, but the accelerated schedule has sparked controversy, sharp criticism from opposition factions and claims of bias in the electoral timetable.
Under the revised timetable approved by INEC and rooted in the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026 political parties are expected to submit digital membership registers by early April and conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026. The updated schedule also outlines strict compliance requirements for party documentation and candidate nominations.
Opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), argue that the compressed timeframe and stringent digital membership prerequisites create “booby traps” that disproportionately disadvantage smaller and opposition parties. ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, labelled the timetable a deliberate attempt to “coronate” incumbent President Bola Tinubu by making it difficult for rival parties to meet INEC’s deadlines.
Critics contend that the requirement to compile and submit comprehensive digital membership data including detailed personal information within a narrow window could effectively disqualify parties unable to complete the process in time, undermining the democratic process. ADC officials have pledged to reject both the electoral timetable and the 2026 Electoral Act itself, while pursuing alternative strategies to contest or challenge the schedule.
The AAA controversies extend beyond procedural objections to broader political tensions. NNPP representatives labelled the revised timetable “an attempt to deny opposition parties adequate time to prepare,” noting that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) enjoys structural advantages that may make compliance easier amid internal disputes affecting rival parties.
Responding to the criticism, the APC’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, dismissed the objections as politically motivated and argued that the timetable was crafted in strict accordance with the law. Basiru encouraged parties to resolve disputes through legal avenues rather than public complaint.
INEC itself has defended the schedule, maintaining that it must operate within the framework of the Electoral Act and that opposition parties are entitled to express their views. The electoral body has also acknowledged logistical concerns, noting delays in budget approvals and the challenge of aligning resources with compressed deadlines.
As the May primaries deadline looms, political strategists warn of heightened contestation, legal challenges and negotiation as parties hasten to complete screenings, register members and conduct nominations in an increasingly charged electoral environment.