NEWS
ADC Warns INEC Timetable Threatens Opposition’s Ability to Field Candidates in 2027 Elections
In a strong critique of the recently released election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns that the schedule could make it virtually impossible for opposition parties to meet the legal requirements for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed deep reservations about the practical feasibility of complying with the new timeline.
He stated:
“It is very clear, when INEC released its timetable, that some of the requirements we will need to meet to be able to field candidates for the 2027 election, as contained in the Electoral Act, are almost impossible for us to meet. What the law expects us to do is that within the next 32 days or so, we will have a digitalised membership register in all the 36 states of the federation that we will be able to submit to INEC while giving them notice of our congresses or convention.
“It is almost practically impossible for us to do this. We know for a fact that the ruling party, APC, commenced membership registration since February 2025 and actually hired consultants to help them develop a digital membership register ahead of the 2027 election. What took them more than one year to do is what they expect us to do within one month.“
The ADC spokesman argued that the compressed timeline outlined by INEC disproportionately favors the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which has had over a year to establish its digital membership database across the country.
Abdullahi described the deadline as “almost practically impossible,” highlighting what he sees as structural disadvantages for opposition parties trying to comply with the Electoral Act.
The comments by Abdullahi add to growing debates among opposition parties about INEC’s preparedness and the challenges of meeting statutory electoral requirements under tight deadlines. Analysts say that the new schedule could become a flashpoint in political discussions leading up to the 2027 elections.