The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Friday rejected the 2026–2027 electoral timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as a “political instrument carefully structured to favor the incumbent administration and limit opposition participation.”
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, said the timetable—setting party primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026, and requiring submission of digital membership registers by April 2—creates “insurmountable obstacles” for opposition parties. Under Section 77(7) of the Electoral Act 2026, missing the registration deadline would automatically disqualify a party from fielding candidates.
The ADC warned that the digital registers must include members’ full details, including NIN and photographs, and must be newly collected because pre-existing registers cannot be used. Abdullahi described the one-month window for compliance as “practically impossible” for opposition parties.
He accused the ruling party of gaining an unfair advantage, pointing out it began registration in February 2025, a full year before the law took effect. “This is not foresight—it is deliberate,” he said, calling the timetable “rigged and corrupt.”
The party said it has joined other opposition groups in rejecting the Electoral Act 2026 and INEC’s timetable, claiming the law serves “President Tinubu’s automatic self-succession project.” Abdullahi called on civil society, democratic stakeholders, and Nigerians to demand fairness, emphasizing that “no democracy can endure if the rules are written to suit pre-determined outcomes.”
The ADC’s rejection adds to growing concerns from opposition parties over the potential for the new law and timetable to disadvantage smaller parties and undermine genuine political competition ahead of the 2027 elections.
