…push for 90-day extension of election timelines over party disputes
Concerns over insecurity, electoral credibility, democratic accountability and national unity are mounting ahead of the 2027 elections, with stakeholders warning that unresolved political tensions and institutional weaknesses could undermine public trust in the democratic process.
Reflecting the growing anxiety over the country’s electoral preparedness, a coalition of civil society organisations under the aegis of the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) yesterday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend key timelines for the 2027 general elections by 90 days, citing legal uncertainties affecting several political parties.
In a letter dated May 4, 2026, and submitted to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the coalition, working in collaboration with the Good Governance Group (GGG), called for an extension of deadlines for the submission of party membership registers and the conduct of pre-primary activities.
The group argued that recent judicial pronouncements on internal leadership disputes within some political parties had created operational challenges that could undermine the credibility and inclusiveness of the electoral process.
MCE, which described itself as a “Pan-Nigerian, multi-stakeholder, citizens-led coalition”, said the request became necessary to safeguard democratic stability and ensure fairness for all political actors ahead of the elections.
“We…wish to draw your attention to the urgent need for equitable adjustment of the timelines for the 2027 elections in line with your constitutional mandate towards safeguarding the integrity of the 2027 General elections,” the coalition stated.
The coalition said Nigeria’s electoral process should be guided by constitutional principles of fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity rather than timelines alone.
Citing Section 77(2) of the Constitution, which requires political parties to maintain and submit membership registers, the group argued that the provision presupposes stable and legally coherent party structures.
According to the coalition, recent Supreme Court judgments on internal party disputes had left some parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), in prolonged legal uncertainty.
It warned that the affected parties could face difficulties organising congresses, updating membership registers and conducting credible primaries in line with INEC guidelines.
The coalition also alleged that INEC’s current regulatory approach had contributed to the uncertainty within opposition parties, creating what it described as “an uneven operational landscape”.
Invoking principles of equity and justice, the group said strict enforcement of the current timetable under exceptional circumstances could undermine democratic fairness.
“Where strict adherence to timelines undermines fairness, such timelines must yield to equity,” the letter stated.
MCE further argued that INEC, under Section 153 of the Constitution and the Third Schedule, possesses discretionary powers to adjust electoral procedures in the interest of fairness and justice.
It said a 90-day extension would restore parity among political parties, enhance the credibility of the electoral process and protect the constitutional rights of party members to participate meaningfully in internal democracy.
The coalition also warned that public confidence in INEC’s neutrality was under increasing scrutiny and cautioned that refusal to adjust the timelines could trigger avoidable litigation and deepen distrust in the electoral process.
“A 90-day extension is not a concession; it is a necessary recalibration to restore balance and uphold the principles upon which our democracy is founded,” the coalition said.
The letter was signed by Prof. Usman Bugaje, chairman of the coalition; Dr Oby Ezekwesili, co-chairperson; Dr Isuwa Dogo for GGG; and Olawale Okunniyi, head of the national secretariat of MCE.
INEC had yet to issue an official response to the request as of press time.