The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has allocated 91 days for political parties to conduct and conclude their primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The timeline follows the release of a revised election schedule after amendments to the Electoral Act 2026.
INEC fixed the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
In a statement, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Haruna, said the commission approved the revised timetable in compliance with the amended law.
According to the schedule, party primaries, including dispute resolution, will commence on April 23, 2026, and conclude on May 30, 2026.
The commission also directed political parties to submit their digital membership registers at least 21 days before conducting any primary, congress or convention. INEC warned that failure to comply with the requirement could result in disqualification from fielding candidates.
Opposition parties have criticised the timetable, describing it as restrictive and biased.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it was reviewing the new schedule. Its factional National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, accused INEC of placing opposition parties under pressure.
He argued that the timeline could give the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) an undue advantage ahead of the elections.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) rejected the timetable outright. Its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, alleged that the schedule was designed to favour President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Abdullahi described the requirement for a comprehensive digital membership register as a “near impossible hurdle” for opposition parties.
Similarly, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) said the timetable disadvantaged opposition groups. Its spokesman, Dipo Johnson, stated that the party was rejecting the new schedule.
INEC has yet to respond directly to the allegations of bias but maintains that the timetable aligns with the amended Electoral Act.
With primaries set to begin in April 2026, political parties are expected to intensify internal preparations as the countdown to the 2027 elections gathers momentum.