Hashim Urges Tinubu, INEC to Align Primaries with Electoral Act Timeline

A former presidential candidate and energy entrepreneur, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has called on Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that political party primaries are conducted in September in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.

In an open letter addressed to the President, Olawepo-Hashim cautioned that the current push for early primaries 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 broader window for parties to hold their primaries up to mid-September. According to him, strict adherence to this timeline would promote transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness in the electoral process.

“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 stated.

Olawepo-Hashim warned that compressing the primary election process could trigger disputes within political parties, disenfranchise aspirants, and erode public confidence in the electoral system.

He further stressed the need to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic gains, recalling the sacrifices made during the struggle against military rule. He warned that any move toward a non-competitive electoral environment could pose serious risks to democratic stability.

The former candidate also urged the President to support reforms aimed at strengthening electoral credibility, including a review of contentious provisions in the Electoral Act and measures to guarantee a level playing field for all political actors.

In a more pointed recommendation, he 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 body ahead of the elections.

Olawepo-Hashim emphasised that restoring public trust in electoral institutions is critical to ensuring peaceful and credible polls, adding that giving political parties adequate time to conduct primaries would reduce tensions, deepen internal democracy, and improve the quality of candidates.

He expressed optimism that the President would consider his recommendations in the interest of political stability and national cohesion, noting that a transparent and inclusive primary process remains key to consolidating democracy in Nigeria.