Nigeria’s 2027 Elections: Political Parties Race Against Time Amid New Electoral Act Requirements
ABUJA, Nigeria — Political parties in Nigeria are scrambling to meet stringent deadlines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the release of the 2026 Electoral Act and a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections. The new framework introduces sweeping changes to the electoral process, leaving parties grappling with compliance challenges, funding shortfalls, and internal reorganizations.
The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, marking the first major electoral test under the newly enacted law. INEC’s revised timetable has set off a flurry of activity among political parties, with some expressing confidence in their readiness, while others face uphill battles to align with the new requirements.
Key Changes in the Electoral Act
The 2026 Electoral Act mandates significant reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral system. One of the most notable provisions requires political parties to nominate candidates through direct primaries or consensus, effectively ending the delegate system that had been a staple of party conventions.
Additionally, the Act prohibits courts from halting electoral processes while cases are pending—a move designed to prevent delays in the electoral calendar. Political parties are also required to maintain a comprehensive digital register of members, complete with personal details such as National Identification Numbers (NIN). This register must be submitted to INEC at least 21 days before party primaries, congresses, or conventions.
Mixed Preparations Across Parties
The readiness of political parties varies widely, with some embracing the changes while others struggle to adapt.
Labour Party: The Labour Party, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, is racing against time to secure funding and rebuild its structures. The party has intensified its nationwide membership revalidation efforts but faces internal conflicts and financial constraints.
“We have been forced to fund party operations from personal resources,” said Tony Akeni, the party’s former Interim National Publicity Secretary, in a leaked memo. He described the situation as an unwritten “fund-yourself party policy” that undermines operations. Despite these challenges, the party leadership insists preparations are ongoing, citing grassroots support across polling units nationwide.
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA): APGA appears ahead of the curve, having initiated electronic registration of members as early as June 1, 2024—months before the Electoral Act was passed.
“We pre-empted the Electoral Act,” said party spokesperson Mazi Ejimofor. However, APGA acknowledged that the requirement for NINs has necessitated updates to its database. The party urged INEC to align its guidelines with the spirit of the Act, warning against creating additional hurdles for smaller parties.
All Progressives Congress (APC): The ruling party is leveraging technology to streamline its preparations. National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda disclosed that the APC now boasts a verified digital database of over 10 million members linked to their NINs.
“Our electronic registration gives us real-time access to our members,” Yilwatda said. The party has also adopted a grassroots funding strategy, with members contributing through dues and other legitimate means.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP): The PDP expressed confidence in its readiness despite ongoing internal court disputes. Deputy National Publicity Secretary Farida Umar stated that the party has conducted congresses from the ward to the state level and commenced digital registration of members.
“We are fully prepared to take over from this uncertain government,” Umar said, dismissing concerns about the party’s reduced number of governors affecting its fundraising ability.
Opposition Parties Cry Foul
While larger parties appear more prepared, smaller opposition groups like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) warn that INEC’s stringent timelines could disadvantage them.
ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi criticized the requirement for a nationwide digital membership register within a short period. “What took the ruling party more than one year to do is what they expect us to do within one month,” he said, accusing the APC of attempting to stifle smaller parties.
The Road to 2027
As the countdown to the 2027 elections intensifies, political parties are under immense pressure to adapt to the new electoral framework. While some have embraced digital reforms and grassroots mobilisation, others face financial and logistical hurdles that could impact their competitiveness.
The coming months will be critical as parties strive to meet INEC’s deadlines and position themselves for what promises to be a fiercely contested election cycle.
— Reported by Nexio News
