ADP rejects 2027 elections timetable, says it raises red flag about fairness
…PDP: We are studying the timetable The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in rejecting the new timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission
…PDP: We are studying the timetable
The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in rejecting the new timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general elections.
National chairman of the ADP, Yabagi Sani, said the timetable unveiled by the Commission on Thursday raises serious concerns regarding fairness, inclusiveness and equal political opportunity.
Reacting further, Sani stated, “Let it be clear: democracy is not a race designed solely for the well-positioned to win. Any electoral calendar that compresses the time available for party membership validation, primaries and candidate emergence risks tilting the playing field against opposition parties and emerging political platforms.”
“Nigerians must not forget credible elections are built long before election day. When the preparatory window is unreasonably tight, the integrity of the entire process comes into question.
“ADP is deeply concerned that the timetable places undue pressure on nationwide party structures to complete complex statutory processes within a narrow window; risks creating systemic disadvantages for smaller and reform minded parties; and may inadvertently fuel public distrust and political tension as the country approaches 2027.
“Nigeria has paid too high a price in its democratic journey to allow administrative decisions to create avoidable suspicion or instability”.
He said that aside from rejecting the timetable, the ADP demands an immediate stakeholder review and expansion of critical timelines; and calls on Nigerians, civil society, and democratic institutions to insist on a level playing field for all parties.
He said, “This is about one party. This is about protecting the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy.
“ADP remains committed to peaceful democratic participation, but we will continue to speak firmly and consistently wherever we see risks that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
“Nigeria’s democracy must be open, fair, and genuinely competitive not administratively compressed.”
Meanwhile, the national publicity secretary of the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) disclosed that the party is studying the timetable and will communicate its position after a meeting scheduled for Monday.
As of the time of filing this report, the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the umbrella body of all registered political parties, had yet to state its position.
The National Chairman of IPAC, Alhaji Mamman Yusuf Dantalle, did not respond to a message sent to his WhatsApp line, while repeated calls to his phone indicated it was engaged.
