Gbenga Hashim Faults INEC’s 2027 Election Schedule, Warns of Rising Political Tension

Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has warned that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable for the 2027 general elections could create fresh political instability if not reviewed.

Hashim said the tight schedule was already generating pressure within political parties, increasing internal conflicts and raising concerns over the conduct of party primaries and candidate nominations.

He criticised the election timetable as unworkable and contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act, particularly because politically sensitive activities were fixed around Hajj and Ileya celebrations.

“Combining election primaries with periods like Hajj and Ileya, which already carry security and mobility challenges, is unreasonable,” Hashim stated.

He warned that organising party primaries during major religious events could intensify security challenges and cause avoidable disruptions across the country.

According to him, party primaries are naturally tension-filled exercises that require enough time, planning and coordination to effectively manage disputes and security concerns.

“Why adopt a chaotic timetable circumventing the provisions of the Act?” he queried.

Hashim argued that the Electoral Act already gives political parties adequate time to complete candidate nominations without forcing the process into a rushed and disorderly schedule.

Referring to Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, he explained that parties are only required to submit nominations at least 120 days before elections, which effectively allows them until mid-September to conclude their nomination exercises.

The former presidential candidate also disclosed that he had earlier written to President Bola Tinubu, calling for intervention to ensure INEC adheres strictly to the law.

However, he said the letter had not received any response.

Hashim maintained that merging politically sensitive activities with important religious obligations during the same period could heighten national tension and destabilise party structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

He warned that if the timetable is not adjusted, it could further weaken public trust in the electoral process and create additional political uncertainty before the polls.

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