2027 ELECTIONS: PARTIES RACE AGAINST TIME TO FULFILL ELECTORAL ACT OBLIGATIONS

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By: Fasasi Hammad

With the enactment of the 2026 Electoral Act and INEC’s revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, political parties are under mounting pressure to meet tight compliance deadlines.

While the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) had earlier threatened to boycott the polls unless certain sections of the law were amended, many parties are now adjusting internal processes to align with the new requirements.

A survey of party preparations reveals a mixed scenario. Some claim they are ready for the elections, while others struggle with funding shortfalls, internal disputes, and administrative adjustments mandated by the revised electoral framework.

The Electoral Act 2026 sets the presidential and National Assembly polls for January 16, 2027, and introduces major changes to the electoral process. Notably, parties must now nominate candidates through direct primaries or consensus, eliminating the delegate system previously used. Courts are also barred from halting electoral processes while cases are pending. Additionally, parties must maintain a digital register of members, including their National Identification Numbers (NIN), and submit it to INEC at least 21 days before any primaries, congresses, or conventions.

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The Labour Party (LP), led by Senator Nenadi Usman, is racing to secure funding and reorganize its structures ahead of the polls. Nationwide membership revalidation and registration are ongoing, but internal conflicts and financial constraints have slowed progress. Some party officials have reportedly funded operations personally.

Former Interim National Publicity Secretary Tony Akeni described this as an unwritten “fund-yourself” policy that undermines the party’s operations. Despite these hurdles, LP has submitted State Working Committee lists for 32 states and the FCT to INEC, and leadership remains confident in its grassroots support.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has been proactive, beginning electronic membership registration as early as June 2024. The party is now updating its database to include NINs in compliance with the new Electoral Act. APGA also called on INEC to ensure guidelines do not create obstacles for smaller parties, affirming confidence in meeting compliance deadlines.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has strengthened preparations using a verified digital database of over 10 million members linked to NINs, enabling real-time mobilization and improved primary processes. National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda emphasized member ownership, with party funding sourced through dues and contributions rather than a Board of Trustees.

The APC has also inaugurated a National Convention Planning Committee, led by former House Speaker Aminu Bello Masari, to set new standards for the 2027 election cycle.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) asserts it is fully prepared despite ongoing internal court cases. Deputy National Publicity Secretary Farida Umar and National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong confirmed that congresses from ward to state levels have been completed and digital registration of members is underway.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) warned that INEC’s tight deadlines could disadvantage opposition parties. Spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi said establishing a nationwide digital membership register in such a short period is almost impossible and could favor the ruling party, making the compliance process a fight for survival for smaller parties.

Despite these challenges, political parties nationwide are intensifying preparations as the countdown to the 2027 general elections accelerates.