Opposition parties react to 2027 general elections timetable, demanding credible, transparent polls and questioning election budget

Nigeria’s major opposition parties have declared readiness for the 2027 general elections following the release of the 2027 general elections timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission, while demanding credible and transparent polls.

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The Peoples Democratic Party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the African Democratic Congress said they were prepared to participate in the elections but stressed that the integrity of the process would determine the legitimacy of the outcome.

INEC announced that presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on 20 February 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls are scheduled for 6 March 2027.

Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will run from 18 November 2026 to 19 February 2027.

Governorship and state Assembly campaigns will commence on 15 December 2026 and end on 5 March 2027, 24 hours before the elections.

Political parties are expected to conduct primaries between 1 July and 30 September 2026 and submit candidates’ lists between 1 and 31 October 2026.

The PDP National Caretaker Committee aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said the party was fully prepared for the polls.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the committee urged members and aspirants to remain focused, assuring them that internal disputes and pending litigations would be resolved before the primaries window.

Separately, the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee of the PDP also declared readiness, provided INEC guarantees free, fair and credible elections.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the party would be ready whenever the commission is prepared, so long as transparency is assured.

The NNPP welcomed the timetable but raised concerns over the N873.778 billion budgeted for the polls.

Its spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, described the figure as excessive and urged INEC to justify the expenditure while preparing for an election acceptable to Nigerians and the international community.

The ADC, in its response, emphasised that the credibility of the elections would hinge on transparent procedures, particularly real-time electronic transmission of results.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said public confidence would depend on INEC’s commitment to technological integrity.

Abdullahi called on the National Assembly to remove ambiguities in the Electoral Act and urged INEC to clarify its readiness to adopt real-time transmission if legal amendments are enacted.

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He said Nigerians have consistently demonstrated civic vigilance and now expect institutional clarity and administrative excellence from the electoral umpire.