FOLLOWING release of the full preparatory timetable for the highly anticipated 2027 General Elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), beehives of political activities are expected to take place in Nigeria this year. Political maneuverings would intensify with political parties and actors strategizing preparatory to the elections.
ACCORDING to the timetable, the nationwide voter registration will commence in April 2026 and run until January 2027, political parties will conduct all congresses and primaries between July 1 and September 30, 2026, Political parties will upload the names of candidates and their running mates between October 1 and October 31, 2026 via INEC’s online nomination portal, publication of final candidates’ list, November 15, 2026, election campaigns to begin from November to December 2026. Presidential and National Assembly Elections are slated for Saturday, February 20, 2027, with Governorship and State Assembly Elections taking place on Saturday, March 6, 2027.
OTHER key activities ahead of the 2027 elections are: display of Voter Registers, October 2026, collection of PVCs, December 2026 to February 2027, training of ad-hoc staff, December 2026 to February 2027 and distribution of election materials, February to March 2027.
Nigeria’s journey towards hitch-less election in 2027 hinges on INEC’s ability to learn from past experiences and implement robust measures to prevent technical failures.
THE electoral umpire should take note of the technical issues that plagued the 2023 presidential poll and improve on them. The 2023 elections were marred by numerous challenges, with INEC facing criticisms for its poor handling of the process. The elections were plagued by technical glitches and delays, which raised concerns about the transparency and accountability of the electoral process.
ACCORDING to observers, the February, 2023 Presidential poll recorded the lowest turnout since the end of military rule in 1999, with many voters unable to cast their ballots due to logistical issues.
Notably, the 2023 elections were characterized by electoral violence and intimidation, technical issues, lack of transparency, voter suppression among other challenges.
WE call for greater accountability from INEC and reforms to enhance transparency and trust in the electoral process. INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) should gear up preparations for the 2027 general elections by partnering the relevant agencies for a successful process. The commission’s success depends, largely on effective planning, stakeholder engagements and timely implementation of its reforms.
THE 142-point electoral reforms and the Electoral Act 2025 should be passed and implemented ahead of the elections. This will put an end to irregularities often associated with the exercise.
By tackling these issues, Nigeria can take significant strides towards a hitch-less election in 2027.
Stakeholders, including political parties, politicians, security agencies, the National Orientation Agency, ad-hoc staff, media and the electorate should play their roles effectively towards a successful election. The election should not be business as usual; it should be a credibility exercise.
