The African Democratic Congress has rejected the revised 2027 election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The party warned that new requirements under the Electoral Act 2026 could prevent opposition parties from fielding candidates.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, on Friday, said the timetable reflects deeper concerns about the new electoral law.
He argued that compliance demands, particularly digital membership registration, are unrealistic within the timeframe provided.
According to Abdullahi, parties must submit a fully digitalised membership register across 36 states within about 32 days.
He described the task as practically impossible for smaller parties with limited resources.
The spokesperson alleged that the provisions create structural disadvantages for opposition groups.
He claimed the ruling All Progressives Congress began its digital registration drive as far back as February 2025.
Abdullahi said what took the governing party over a year is now expected of others within one month.
He characterised the requirements as deliberate obstacles that could bar non-compliant parties from presenting candidates.
INEC, however, maintained that the revised timetable aligns with the Electoral Act 2026 and constitutional provisions.
The commission adjusted key dates following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and enactment of the new law.
Presidential and National Assembly elections are now scheduled for January 16, 2027.
Governorship and State Assembly elections will follow on February 6, 2027.
Party primaries are fixed between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
Presidential campaigns would commence on August 19, 2026.
Governorship and state assembly campaigns are to begin on September 9, 2026.
INEC said campaigns must end 24 hours before election day.
The commission also moved the Osun governorship poll to August 15, 2026.
While INEC insists the schedule promotes compliance and inclusivity, the ADC argues it compresses timelines unfairly.
With primaries set for April, parties now face mounting pressure to meet regulatory obligations.
