Nigeria’s opposition parties have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to push the 2027 general election primary deadline to the end of July 2026.
The demand was issued in a communiqué following a national summit of opposition leaders held in Ibadan on Saturday.
The meeting included representatives from a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
The coalition criticised INEC’s current May 30, 2026, deadline, arguing that the existing timetable places opposition groups at a significant disadvantage.
According to the communiqué, the current guidelines are structured to limit effective preparation, whereas an extension would promote inclusiveness and strengthen the credibility of the upcoming elections.
The parties also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to undermine Nigeria’s multiparty system to establish a one-party structure.
They further dismissed efforts to position President Bola Tinubu as an uncontested candidate, asserting their readiness to field competitive challengers.
Concerns were also raised regarding the neutrality of INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan.
The opposition alleged bias in favour of the ruling party and called for his exclusion from the 2027 electoral process to maintain public trust and prevent political tension.
Additionally, the summit urged the National Assembly to review the Electoral Act 2026, warning that certain provisions could undermine electoral integrity and conflict with constitutional standards.
The parties concluded by demanding the immediate release of politicians allegedly detained or harassed over minor, bailable offences.
