On Sunday, a leading chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Gbenga Hashim in Ogun State criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the timetable it released for the 2027 general elections, describing it as inconsistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Hashim, who spoke when the National Chairman of the Accord Party, Maxwell Mgbudem, paid him a visit, argued that the schedule timetable by the INEC contradicts existing legal provisions governing the conduct of elections.
According to him, the timetable released by INEC is “Illegal because it goes against the provisions of the Electoral Act.”
Hashim referenced Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, which requires political parties to submit their list of candidates to the electoral body not later than 120 days before the date of an election.
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He explained that this provision suggests that political parties should be able to conclude their primary elections around August or September, noting that INEC’s directive requiring parties to complete their primaries by May effectively shortens the timeframe.
The PDP aspirant said the earlier deadline significantly compresses the political calendar and could put opposition parties under pressure, especially those currently dealing with internal disagreements and court cases.
While acknowledging that INEC has recently adjusted certain deadlines, including those relating to the submission of party registers, Hashim insisted that the central issue surrounding the shortened timetable has not been adequately addressed.
He also stressed the need for broader political consultations across party lines in order to build a coalition capable of preventing what he described as the gradual emergence of a one-party state in the country.
Hashim further emphasised the importance of unity among opposition parties, noting that collaboration among political actors is necessary to sustain democratic competition and strengthen institutional balance.
According to him, opposition parties are increasingly facing internal challenges and external pressures that affect their ability to organise effectively.
He added that protecting Nigeria’s democratic system requires cooperation among stakeholders committed to accountability, fairness and a competitive multi-party political environment.
Hashim warned that any move that concentrates political power in a way that limits democratic choice should be resisted.
He said consultations among political stakeholders are expected to continue in the coming months as discussions on possible cooperation ahead of future elections intensify.
