New Electoral Act Puts Parties Under Pressure Ahead of 2027 Elections

Political parties across Nigeria are adjusting their strategies and internal processes to comply with new rules introduced by the Electoral Act 2026, following the release of a revised election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Although the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) had earlier threatened an election boycott unless some provisions were reviewed, many parties have now begun implementing reforms required under the new law.

However, a review of party activities shows uneven levels of readiness, with some political organisations confident about their preparations while others struggle with funding issues, internal disputes and structural adjustments.

New electoral rules

INEC has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, following the passage of the Electoral Act 2026.

Among the key provisions in the law is the requirement that parties must select candidates through direct primaries or consensus, ending the delegate-based system used in many conventions.

The Act also bars courts from stopping electoral processes while legal disputes are ongoing.

Another major requirement is the creation of a digital membership register containing personal details such as National Identification Numbers (NIN).

Political parties must submit this register to INEC 21 days before any primaries, congresses or conventions.

These requirements have compelled parties to accelerate reforms and administrative preparations.

Labour Party battles financial constraints

The Labour Party (LP), headed by Senator Nenadi Usman, is reportedly working to rebuild its structures and mobilise funds ahead of the elections.

While the party has intensified nationwide membership registration and revalidation, internal disagreements and limited finances have slowed some activities.

According to reports, some party officials have been covering operational costs personally.

Former Interim National Publicity Secretary Tony Akeni detailed the situation in a leaked memo.

“As the interim National Publicity Secretary of Labour Party, I was compelled to relocate to Abuja from my Edo State family abode on August 7, 2025.

“I have since been carrying out all assignments of the office from hotel accommodation without a penny from the Labour Party or its stakeholders, except a N10,000 token for data shared to me,” he wrote.

He described the situation as an informal “fund-yourself party policy.”

“Which political party’s national image maker in Nigeria funds its national publicity responsibilities solely from personal income, especially an opposition party striving to replace an incumbent government?” he asked.

Despite the challenges, the party leadership maintains that preparations are ongoing.

The party has submitted the State Working Committee list for 32 states and the FCT to INEC.

Nenadi-Usman also expressed confidence in the party’s grassroots network.

“In every polling unit, ward and local government in Nigeria, there is either a serving or retired worker,” she said.

The party is also considering fundraising initiatives, including dinners, souvenir sales and voluntary donations.

APGA moves early on digital membership

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) says it began electronic membership registration on June 1, 2024, even before the new law was passed.

Party spokesman Mazi Ejimofor said this early step positioned the party well for compliance.

“We’re very prepared because if you look at what APGA has been doing, even before now, you will realise that it appears we pre-empted the Electoral Act.

“We are the first party to commence electronic registration of members as far back as June 1, 2024,” he said.

However, APGA said it has had to update its database to include the NIN requirement.

“So now that it has been introduced, we have gone back to re-validate the membership register to make room for the national registration number stipulated in the Electoral Act,” he explained.

The party also urged INEC to ensure its regulations do not disadvantage smaller parties.

“There has to be synergy so that it doesn’t look like INEC is trying to stifle smaller parties out of the contest,” he said.

He declined to confirm whether APGA would field a presidential candidate in 2027.

“Well, I can’t sit here now and give you that response. When the time comes, you will know,” he said.

APC expands digital membership base

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) says it has strengthened its election preparations with a technology-based membership database and a grassroots funding model.

National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda said the party now has more than 10 million verified members linked to their NINs.

“Our electronic registration gives us real-time access to our members. We know who they are, where they live and how to reach them. This allows us to mobilise efficiently and conduct better and more credible primaries,” he said.

He also explained the party’s decision not to have a Board of Trustees.

“APC belongs to its members. That is why we do not have a Board of Trustees. Our members fund the party through dues and other legitimate contributions,” he said.

The party has also inaugurated a National Convention Planning Committee, chaired by former Speaker Aminu Bello Masari.

“Expectations of Nigerians and the people and the president is that we produce the best convention ever,” Masari said.

PDP confident, ADC criticises timeline

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) insists it is ready for the elections despite internal court disputes.

Deputy National Publicity Secretary Farida Umar said the party had completed key organisational steps.

“We are fully prepared. We are fully on ground and ready to take over from this uncertain government of Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress.

“We have conducted our congresses from the ward level to the state level and taken all the necessary steps to remain the PDP that we are,” she said.

She added that fundraising does not depend solely on governors.

“A party does not necessarily have to rely on governors alone. Even if a party has no governor at all, it can still survive,” she said.

PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong said the party has started digital membership registration.

“We have studied the new Electoral Act and made critical observations. Irrespective of that, we are preparing. That is why we have begun the digital registration of our members,” he said.

However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) warned that the new timeline could disadvantage opposition parties.

Spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said building a nationwide digital register within the deadline was unrealistic.

“It is almost practically impossible for us to do this. What took the ruling party more than one year to do is what they expect us to do within one month,” he said.

“This is a situation where the ruling party is trying to emasculate us, and we are fighting a battle for survival,” he added.

Despite the challenges and criticisms, political parties are stepping up preparations as the 2027 general election cycle approaches.

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