By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the updated 2026–2027 electoral timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that the new schedule contains “boobytraps” designed to shut out opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party claimed the revised timetable provides unfair advantages for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and supports to return President Bola Tinubu’s unopposed in 2027.
The ADC specifically faulted new compliance provisions under Sections 77 and 82 of the Electoral Act 2026, arguing that the requirements place an excessive burden on opposition parties.
According to the timetable, party primaries are scheduled to hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026. However, the party noted that Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act requires political parties to submit their digital membership registers to INEC by April 2, 2026—about 34 days away.
Describing the timeline as unrealistic, Abdullahi said the requirement effectively creates a barrier that could prevent some parties from fielding candidates.
“These are not house-keeping rules. They are deliberately constructed barriers to exclude opposition from partaking in the coming election,” the statement said.
The party further argued that the law mandates detailed biometric and personal data—including National Identification Numbers, photographs and polling unit information—for every registered member, warning that failure to comply would result in disqualification.
ADC alleged that the APC had already begun compiling such digital records as far back as February 2025, giving the ruling party what it called an unfair head start.
“Democratic competition is based on a level-playing field that does not give any advantage to the contestants,” Abdullahi stated. “A system where one party takes advantage of incumbency to give itself a one-year head-start… is a rigged and corrupt system.”
The party maintained that the revised timetable, taken together with the Electoral Act 2026, appears structured to narrow democratic space and weaken opposition participation.
ADC said it has joined other opposition parties in rejecting the amended law and the accompanying timetable, warning that it would not legitimize what it termed a flawed process.
“Let it be clear: ADC will not do anything that will appear to confer legitimacy on a fraudulent system. We are reviewing our options,” the party said.
The opposition party also called on civil society organisations and democratic stakeholders to scrutinise the timetable and demand fairness.
