Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has raised concerns over the 2027 general election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, warning that it could heighten political tensions and destabilise party structures across Nigeria.
Hashim argued that the compressed election schedule is already creating pressure within political parties, increasing internal disputes and making it more difficult to properly organise primaries and complete candidate nominations ahead of the polls.
He criticised the timing of key electoral activities, saying it overlaps with sensitive religious periods such as Hajj and Ileya (Eid al-Adha), which he described as inappropriate due to security and mobility challenges during those seasons.
According to him, conducting party primaries during such periods could worsen logistical strain and heighten security risks across the country, warning that political processes require careful planning and adequate time to avoid chaos.
Hashim further questioned what he described as inconsistencies in the timetable, insisting that the Electoral Act already provides sufficient time for parties to complete nominations without compressing activities into a high-pressure schedule.
Citing provisions of the law, he maintained that political parties have up to 120 days before elections to submit candidates, which he believes should allow a more realistic and stable timeline.
He also revealed that he had previously written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urging intervention to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines, but said no response had been received.
The former presidential candidate warned that failing to review the timetable could increase political instability, deepen party conflicts, and undermine public confidence in the electoral process ahead of 2027.
