A National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, has defended the commission’s revised timetable for the 2027 general elections.
Haruna during an interview on Channels Television on Politics Today on Friday, said the deadline for political parties to submit digital membership registers is realistic and achievable.
INEC recently directed parties to provide comprehensive digital membership records by April 2, 2026.
The directive has drawn criticism from opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress.
However, Haruna dismissed claims that the timeline imposes undue hardship on political parties.
He argued that serious parties should already have structured membership databases.
According to him, collating and submitting digital records within the timeframe should not pose major difficulties.
Haruna stressed that INEC is bound by the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
He noted that the commission lacks discretion to disregard any validly enacted law.
Responding to allegations that the timetable favours the ruling All Progressives Congress, Haruna maintained that INEC operates independently.
He said the commission’s duty is to implement the law, not to interpret political motives.
Despite his defence, the commissioner acknowledged operational challenges facing the electoral body.
He revealed that funding delays affect procurement of sensitive materials for the polls.
INEC plans to acquire additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines to replace lost units.
The commission must also print ballot papers and result sheets ahead of the elections.
Haruna said some raw materials required for production are sourced externally.
He admitted that INEC is preparing but cannot yet claim full readiness.
The commissioner also disclosed plans to revalidate the national voter register.
He expressed concern over low public participation during periods set aside for objections and corrections.
On prospects for a seamless election, Haruna was cautious.
He said while preparations are ongoing, he could not guarantee a glitch-free process.
Meanwhile, the spokesman of an opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who also appeared on the show, Bolaji Abdullahi, claimed that the amendment of the Electoral Act was a tactic by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig the 2027 elections.
He emphasised that his party would not permit this.
”What I can assure you is that ADC will not be used to legitimise a fraudulent process,” Bolaji said.
