Political parties in Nigeria face a critical deadline as they have just 91 days to conduct and finalize their primaries to select candidates for the 2027 elections, as stipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Recently, INEC unveiled a revised timetable that outlines the election schedule where Presidential and National Assembly elections are now set for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state assembly elections will follow on February 6, 2027. This announcement underscores the urgency for parties to prepare and rally their candidates within the given timeframe.

The release of the new timetable comes after changes were made to the electoral law, prompting INEC to adjust the schedule accordingly. According to Malam Mohammed Haruna, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee at INEC, the commission must adhere to the new regulations, which require that party primaries, along with the resolution of any disputes related to those primaries, begin on April 23, 2026, and conclude by May 30, 2026. This shift in schedule not only reflects legal adjustments but also emphasizes the need for political parties to strategize efficiently in a competitive environment.

As the primary election date approaches, the focus on political party preparedness will be significant, potentially affecting voter engagement and the overall election landscape. The swift nature of this timetable could lead to a rush in candidate selection and could influence the dynamics of party politics in Nigeria as parties scramble to comply with the new rules. Stakeholders, including voters and party members, will be closely monitoring how effectively parties manage their primaries and whether they can resolve disputes amicably, all of which are crucial for a smooth electoral process in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.