2027 polls: APC, 4 parties ready, 16 others in candidates’ crisis

AI Summary

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the timetable for the 2027 general elections, setting presidential and National Assembly voting for 20 February 2027 and governorship and state assembly voting for 6 March 2027. According to a Vanguard report, only five registered parties – the APC, PDP, Labour Party, NNPP and SDP – have nationwide structures ready to field candidates, while 16 parties face organisational, leadership, funding and legal challenges. The schedule places party primaries between 22 May and 20 June 2026 and campaign activities from September 2026, creating a compressed timeline for all parties. Concerns have been raised that the February date may be moved to January 2027 due to Ramadan, which could further affect party preparations.

Reliability

Single source: Vanguard. Treat with caution.