2027 Polls: Ezekwesili, Bugaje-Led Coalition Pressures INEC to Extend Election Timelines by 90 Days

A coalition of civil society leaders under the platform of the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently extend the timelines for the 2027 general elections by 90 days, warning that failure to do so could undermine the credibility and inclusiveness of the electoral process.

In a petition submitted to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the coalition argued that ongoing legal disputes and internal leadership crises in several opposition political parties have created an uneven political environment ahead of the elections.

The coalition, working in collaboration with the Good Governance Group (GGG), said the extension was necessary to allow affected parties properly reorganize, update membership registers, and conduct lawful congresses and primaries in line with the Electoral Act 2026.

Among the signatories to the petition are former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, political analyst Usman Bugaje, Dr. Isuwa Dogo, and activist Olawale Okunniyi.

The coalition identified parties allegedly affected by legal and leadership disputes to include the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, Social Democratic Party, and the African Democratic Congress.

According to the group, recent judicial pronouncements, including Supreme Court rulings on party leadership tussles, have disrupted internal party structures and could affect compliance with INEC guidelines if timelines remain unchanged.

“Nigeria’s electoral process is not governed by timelines alone but by the overarching constitutional obligation of ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and equal opportunity for all political actors,” the coalition stated in the letter dated May 4, 2026.

The group anchored its demand on constitutional provisions and electoral laws, particularly Section 77(2) of the Constitution, which requires political parties to maintain valid membership registers.

It argued that the current situation in some parties makes compliance difficult and warned that strict enforcement of existing timelines could disenfranchise party members and weaken internal democracy.

The coalition also accused INEC of maintaining what it described as a rigid regulatory posture that has contributed to uncertainty within opposition parties.

Calling for flexibility, the coalition said the proposed 90-day extension would restore parity among parties, reduce legal disputes, and reinforce public confidence 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 petition stated.

The group further warned that public confidence in INEC’s neutrality is increasingly being tested, noting that refusal to adjust the timelines could trigger fresh litigation and deepen distrust in the electoral system.

As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not officially responded to the request.

Political observers say the petition places the electoral commission under increasing pressure as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify across the country.