ABUJA — The release of the timetable for the February 20, 2027 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has placed many of Nigeria’s registered political parties under intense pressure, exposing gaps in preparation and organisational readiness ahead of the contest.
There are also indications that the election date could be moved to January 2027 following concerns raised by Muslim leaders and groups that the current date may coincide with the Ramadan fasting period and reduce voter turnout.
Several political parties are now struggling to put their internal structures in order, conduct congresses, and establish nationwide presence, leaving them at risk of falling behind more organised rivals.
INEC has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will take place on March 6, 2027. According to the commission’s timetable, party primaries are expected to hold between May 22 and June 20, 2026, with political campaigns set to begin in September 2026. This timeline leaves parties with limited time to mobilise, organise, and prepare candidates.
Political leaders across parties have reacted with mixed feelings, ranging from confidence to concern. Smaller parties, in particular, are racing against time to establish ward offices, elect executives, and resolve leadership disputes before the primaries.
Only Five Parties Fully Prepared
Out of the 21 registered political parties, only five are considered adequately prepared to participate nationwide. These include the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP).
These parties currently possess established national structures, operational networks, and previous electoral experience, giving them an advantage over others that are still grappling with organisational weaknesses.
APC Intensifies Preparations
The ruling APC appears to have maintained early momentum ahead of the elections, having sustained membership drives and attracted several high-profile defections from opposition parties.
Party officials say the defections have increased their political strength and expanded their grassroots influence across the country.
The APC has also launched an electronic membership registration and revalidation exercise, reportedly registering over 10 million members in its digital database. In addition, the party established The Progressive Institute, a policy and training centre designed to strengthen internal capacity and leadership development.
Party leaders expressed satisfaction with INEC’s timetable, noting that it provides sufficient time to complete internal processes and prepare candidates.
Opposition Parties Face Internal Challenges
Major opposition parties, particularly the PDP, LP, and NNPP, are still dealing with internal crises, leadership disputes, and legal battles that have slowed their preparations.
The PDP, once Nigeria’s dominant political party, continues to face factional divisions. However, party leaders insist the issues will be resolved before the primaries.
A party spokesman assured members and aspirants that ongoing litigations and disputes would be concluded in time for the nomination process.
Party insiders also expressed confidence that the PDP would remain a major force in the election.
According to one senior member, the party’s nationwide structure and political influence make its participation inevitable.
He added that efforts were ongoing to stabilise the party, reconcile factions, and develop strategies for different states.
However, he acknowledged that unresolved leadership disputes could affect coordination if not settled quickly.
Labour Party Rebuilding After Leadership Crisis
The Labour Party has begun restructuring efforts following months of internal conflicts that disrupted its activities.
INEC’s recognition of Nenadi Usman as national chairman has accelerated efforts to rebuild party structures, conduct membership drives, and strengthen its national presence.
Party officials said reconciliation remains a priority, although rival factions continue to challenge the leadership arrangement.
Meanwhile, the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has indicated interest in contesting the presidency in 2027, stating that he is prepared to contribute to national development.
NNPP and SDP Express Confidence
The NNPP has declared its readiness for the elections, citing its nationwide participation in the 2023 polls as evidence of its growing strength.
Party leaders also said they are open to alliances with other opposition parties as part of efforts to improve their chances.
Similarly, the SDP said it plans to present experienced candidates and is working to rebuild its structures despite recent defections and internal challenges.
ADC Raises Transparency Concerns
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) welcomed the early release of the timetable but called on INEC to ensure transparency, particularly in the electronic transmission of election results.
The party urged the commission to provide clear assurances on the use of technology and safeguards to guarantee credible elections.
Sixteen Parties Face Serious Structural Weaknesses
Sixteen other political parties are currently struggling with weak organisational structures, leadership disputes, and funding challenges.
These include the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), African Action Congress (AAC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Accord, Action Alliance (AA), Boot Party (BP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Youth Party (YP), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
Many of these parties lack functional structures at ward and state levels, while others remain confined to regional influence.
These weaknesses could limit their ability to field candidates nationwide.
Timetable Triggers Political Realignments
The election timetable has intensified political activities across the country, with parties engaging in alliance talks, membership recruitment, and internal restructuring.
Smaller parties face the biggest challenge, as they must build structures, recruit candidates, and resolve disputes within a short period.
Even among larger parties, leadership disputes and internal disagreements could influence candidate selection and electoral outcomes.
A Critical Test for Political Parties
The months ahead are expected to determine which parties can meet the requirements and compete effectively.
While the five major parties appear positioned to contest nationwide, others must act quickly to strengthen their structures or risk being left out.
The timetable has effectively turned party preparedness into a major test of organisational strength, and the outcome could shape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC’s 2027 Election Timetable Puts Political Parties Under Pressure as Readiness Gap Widens
