2027: Parties rush to beat INEC’s deadline
Political Parties Accelerate Preparations Ahead of INEC Deadline for 2027 General Elections
By Clifford Ndujihe, Henry Umoru, Omeiza Ajayi, John Alechenu, Gabriel Ewepu, and Luminous Jannamike
Political parties across Nigeria are intensifying their activities as they approach the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the upcoming general elections in 2027. All registered parties must submit their membership registers by midnight on May 10.
This week has seen significant movement within the political landscape, characterized by realignments and defections. The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has notably gained three senators and 18 members of the House of Representatives.
To comply with INEC’s timelines, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) concluded the sale of its nomination forms on May 6 and closed the collection of these forms on May 7. Screening of aspirants commenced on May 8 and is set to conclude on May 12, with results to be published on May 13.
In parallel, both the NDC and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) are slated to hold their national conventions today. The NDC’s convention will take place in Abuja, while the SDP will convene in Bauchi.
APC Screening Overview
The APC’s aspirant screening process, initiated yesterday, will wrap up on May 12, followed by the publication of selected candidates on May 13.
Labour Party Schedule
The Labour Party has also adjusted its timetable. Nomination forms for various elective positions went on sale on May 6 and will remain available until May 16. Submission of completed forms is scheduled for May 17 and 18. The screening for House of Assembly and gubernatorial candidates is set for May 20, while National Assembly and presidential aspirants will be screened on May 22. Results are to be published on May 23, and appeals will be heard on May 24 and 25. The final list of cleared aspirants will be released on May 26, ahead of the planned primaries on May 27 for state assemblies and governorship positions and May 29 for national offices.
BOOT Party Initiatives
The BOOT Party has announced a sales plan for its presidential Expression of Interest form, priced at N5 million, along with a novel “Trust Before Ticket” framework aimed at promoting integrity in candidate selection. National Chairman Sunny Adenuga confirmed that the party held its national convention last week and is preparing for its primaries on May 29.
The fees for various positions are structured to include substantial amounts, with the presidential Trust Before Ticket set at N500 million, to be held in a bank account managed under specific conditions, ensuring transparency in the use of funds.
PDP and Other Parties
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing challenges due to internal divisions that have led to competing claims and schedules. The party has set a timetable for the sale of forms from May 5 to 13, with submission due by May 14. Screening is planned for May 15 to 18, followed by appeals on May 21 and the publication of cleared candidates on May 22.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has scheduled its nomination form sale from May 5 to 10, followed by the submission of forms from May 11 to 13. Aspirants will be screened from May 14 to 15, with final results published on May 17.
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has set its presidential primaries for May 24, amidst ongoing membership revalidation and organizational restructuring after recent leadership recognition by INEC.
The Accord Party is set to hold its presidential primary on May 21.
Although the political landscape remains dynamic, all parties are racing against the clock to finalize their candidate lists ahead of the elections.
