..Warns early timetable may undermine party democracy
..Calls for reforms to strengthen credibility of 2027 polls
A former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to respect provisions of the Electoral Act by allowing political party primaries to hold in September.
In an open letter addressed to the President, Hashim called for a shift in the current timetable, warning that rushing the primary process could undermine internal party democracy and weaken the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
He cited Section 29(1) of the amended Electoral Act, noting that it provides a wider window for parties to conduct their primaries up to mid-September.
According to him, adhering to this timeline would promote transparency, inclusiveness and fairness.
“The current timetable constricts the latitude of political parties to conduct their primaries.
There is a need to allow sufficient time, as envisaged by law, for parties to organise credible and participatory primaries,” he said.
Hashim expressed concern that compressing the process could trigger disputes within parties, sideline aspirants and erode public confidence in the electoral system.
He further cautioned against actions that could lead to a non-competitive political environment, stressing that such a trend poses risks to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
He recalled the sacrifices made during the struggle against military rule, noting that preserving political pluralism is key to sustaining democratic gains.
The former candidate also urged the President to consider broader electoral reforms, including a review of contentious provisions in the Electoral Act and measures to ensure a level playing field for all political actors. In a more pointed recommendation,
Hashim called on the President to advise the INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, to step aside to allow for the reconstitution of a more broadly credible electoral commission ahead of future polls.
He emphasised that rebuilding trust in electoral institutions is essential for peaceful and credible elections, adding that giving parties adequate time for primaries would reduce tensions, deepen internal democracy and improve the quality of candidates.
Hashim expressed hope that the President would consider the recommendations in the interest of political stability and national cohesion, noting that a transparent and inclusive primary process is critical to consolidating democracy in Nigeria.
