2027 elections: Political groups rush to comply with Electoral Act timeframe

With the release of the 2026 Electoral Act and a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, Nigeria's political parties are under pressure to meet strict deadlines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as they navigate the new electoral landscape.

Although the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, had earlier threatened to boycott the elections unless certain provisions of the law were amended, many parties have begun adjusting their internal processes to comply with the new requirements, in a bid to avoid being left behind.

A review of preparations across the major parties reveals a mixed picture, with some expressing confidence in their readiness, while others struggle with funding challenges, internal disputes, and administrative adjustments required by the new electoral framework.

The Electoral Act 2026 introduces several changes to the electoral process, including the requirement for political parties to nominate candidates through direct primaries or consensus, effectively abolishing the delegate system previously used in many party conventions.

Another key provision prevents courts from halting electoral processes while cases are pending, and parties are now required to maintain a comprehensive digital register of members containing personal details, including National Identification Numbers, NIN, which must be submitted to INEC at least 21 days before party primaries, congresses, or conventions.

The Labour Party, LP, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, is racing against time to secure funding and rebuild its structures, ahead of the 2027 elections, with the party intensifying its nationwide membership revalidation and registration efforts.

However, internal conflicts and financial constraints have slowed some of the party's activities, with former Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mr Tony Akeni, raising concerns over the situation in a leaked memo, describing it as an unwritten "fund-yourself party policy" that was undermining the party's operations.

Despite the challenges, the LP leadership insists preparations are ongoing, with the party having already submitted the list of State Working Committee members for 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to INEC as part of efforts to reposition the party.

Senator Nenadi-Usman has expressed confidence in the party's grassroots strength, noting that its support base is spread across polling units nationwide, with party sources revealing that the leadership is considering fundraising initiatives to boost its finances ahead of the polls.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has taken significant steps to comply with the new electoral framework, with the party's spokesperson, Mazi Ejimofor, stating that APGA began electronic registration of its members as far back as June 1, 2024, long before the passage of the Electoral Act.

However, the party acknowledges that new provisions in the Electoral Act, particularly the requirement for National Identification Numbers, NIN, have forced it to update its database, with APGA urging INEC to ensure its guidelines align with the spirit of the Electoral Act and not create additional hurdles for smaller parties.

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has intensified preparations for the 2027 elections with a technology-driven membership database and a new grassroots funding strategy, according to National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who disclosed that the APC now has a verified digital database of more than 10 million members linked to their National Identity Numbers.

Yilwatda also stated that the party's decision to operate without a Board of Trustees is deliberate, emphasizing that the APC wants its members to take ownership of the party, with the party inaugurating a National Convention Planning Committee, headed by former speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Bello Masari.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, says it is fully prepared for the 2027 elections, despite ongoing internal court disputes, with PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Farida Umar, expressing confidence in the party's readiness to take over from the current government.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, confirmed that the party has commenced digital registration of members in compliance with the new electoral law, with the party having studied the Electoral Act and made critical observations, while preparing for the polls.

However, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has warned that the timeline set by INEC could make compliance difficult for opposition parties, with ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, stating that the requirement for a nationwide digital membership register within a short period is unrealistic.

Abdullahi argued that the situation can disadvantage opposition parties, describing it as a battle for survival, as the ruling party tries to emasculate them, with the ADC and other parties facing significant challenges in meeting the stringent requirements.

Despite the concerns, political parties across the country are stepping up preparations as the countdown to the 2027 general elections gathers momentum, with the electoral landscape continuing to evolve in the lead-up to the polls.