The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) newly revised electoral timetable for the 2026–2027 general elections, accusing it of containing deliberate "boobytraps" designed to disadvantage opposition parties and favor the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 polls.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC criticized key provisions tied to the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026, particularly the requirement for parties to submit comprehensive digital membership registers by April 2, 2026, with primaries scheduled between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
Failure to comply, the party warned, would lead to disqualification from fielding candidates, creating what it called an "almost impossible hurdle" for opposition groups.
The ADC described the timetable as a "political instrument" structured to limit opposition participation, alleging it paves the way for President Bola Tinubu's unopposed return in 2027.
The party claimed the ruling APC had a significant head start in compiling digital registers since early 2025, while smaller parties face insurmountable barriers.
This rejection follows closely on the heels of opposition leaders including from the ADC, condemning the amended Electoral Act 2026 signed by President Tinubu as anti-democratic and calling for the National Assembly to initiate a fresh amendment process.
The ADC said it is consulting with other opposition groups and reviewing its legal and strategic options, promising to announce its final position in the coming days.
INEC's revisions, announced to align with the new Electoral Act and address concerns such as Ramadan scheduling conflicts, set presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state assembly polls for February 6, 2027, shifting them earlier from previous dates.
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