A presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has berated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for releasing what he called an illegal timetable for the 2027 general election.

Hashim, who spoke when he hosted the National Chairman of the Accord Party, Maxwell Mgbudem, alleged that the INEC timetable violates the provisions of the Electoral Act.

He drew attention to the provisions of Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, which stipulates that political parties must submit their list of candidates to the commission not later than 120 days before an election.

Hashim said the provision implies that parties should have until around August or September to conclude their primaries.

The PDP stalwart also criticised INEC’s directive, which requires party primaries to end by May.

According to him, the timetable has effectively shortened the timeline by several months and placed undue pressure on opposition parties already grappling with internal disputes and litigation.

Acknowledging recent adjustments by INEC to deadlines for submission of party register, Hashim maintained that the fundamental concern about the compressed timetable remained unresolved.

The presidential aspirant also said there is a need to intensify cross-party consultations to ensure a broad-based coalition to counter what he called a gradual drift towards a one-party state in Nigeria.

He called for unity among opposition parties, stating that collaboration is necessary to preserve democratic pluralism and institutional balance.

Hashim argued that opposition parties were increasingly constrained by internal divisions and external pressures that undermine their capacity to organise and function effectively.

The PDP stalwart stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must be safeguarded through cooperation among political stakeholders who are committed to accountability, equity, and a competitive multi-party system. (The Nation)