The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized the revised timetable for the 2027 elections released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying it could make it extremely difficult for opposition parties to participate.
The party linked its objection to the broader Electoral Act 2026, claiming the new law places heavy demands on political parties.
According to ADC officials, the law requires parties to submit a fully digital membership register in all 36 states within about a month while also notifying INEC of their congresses or conventions. ADC described these requirements as nearly impossible to meet in practice.
The party argued that these rules could prevent opposition parties from fielding candidates and undermine the fairness of the 2027 elections if they are not revised.
ADC called the provisions traps that favor certain groups and threaten opposition participation.
INEC, however, defended the revised timetable, explaining that the changes are meant to comply with the Electoral Act 2026, which replaced the 2022 law.
The commission said the new dates also take into account scheduling issues, including the Ramadan period.
Under the updated schedule, presidential and National Assembly elections are set for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.
Party primaries are scheduled between April 23 and May 30, 2026, with campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections beginning on August 19, 2026, and state-level campaigns starting September 9, 2026. Campaigns are required to end 24 hours before election day.
INEC called on all stakeholders to cooperate to ensure peaceful and credible elections, even as opposition parties warn that the compressed timetable could make the race less competitive.
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