2027 Polls: Shift Party Primaries to September, Olawepo-Hashim Urges Tinubu, INEC

A former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adjust the timetable for political party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In an open letter to the President, Olawepo-Hashim urged that party primaries be shifted to September in compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

He warned that the current push for early primaries could undermine internal party democracy and weaken the credibility of the electoral process if not properly aligned with the law.

Citing Section 29(1) of the amended Electoral Act, the former candidate noted that the law provides a wider window for political parties to conduct their primaries up to mid-September. He argued that adhering to this timeline would promote transparency, inclusiveness and fairness.

According to him, the existing timetable limits the ability of parties to organise credible and participatory primaries, stressing that adequate time is essential for consensus-building and proper candidate selection.

Olawepo-Hashim also expressed concern that a compressed primary process could trigger disputes within political parties, disenfranchise aspirants and erode public confidence in the electoral system.

He therefore urged both the presidency and INEC to ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act in order to safeguard the integrity of the 2027 elections.