The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has firmly defended the revised INEC timetable for the 2027 elections, dismissing allegations from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the new schedule was crafted to favour the ruling party.
In a statement released in Akure, the state capital, the APC described the updated INEC timetable as practical, inclusive, and legally grounded.
The party’s Director of Media and Publicity in Ondo State, Steve Otaloro, stated that the schedule reflects administrative prudence and institutional neutrality by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The debate began after INEC adjusted the dates for the 2027 general elections following concerns that the earlier schedule would overlap with the Ramadan fasting period in 2027.
Initially, the commission had fixed the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections for March 6, 2027.
However, several Muslim stakeholders raised objections, arguing that the dates would pose participation challenges for millions of voters observing Ramadan.
Responding to the concerns, the National Assembly amended Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, reducing the mandatory election notice period from 360 days to 300 days.
This legislative modification provided INEC the legal space to revise the election calendar.
Shortly afterward, the electoral body released a new INEC timetable, shifting the Presidential and National Assembly polls to January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Assembly elections were rescheduled for February 6, 2027.
The revised schedule was signed by INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan.
Despite the adjustments, the ADC rejected the development, describing it as politically motivated.
The opposition party alleged that the updated INEC timetable was structured to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu an undue advantage ahead of the 2027 elections.
Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, argued that new compliance requirements embedded in the Electoral Act 2026 created serious operational challenges for opposition groups.
One of the ADC’s strongest objections centered on the directive that political parties must submit a comprehensive digital membership register by April 2, 2026.
The party claimed that the tight timeline effectively places smaller or less-resourced parties at a disadvantage, potentially restricting their ability to field candidates.
However, the APC countered that argument, describing the digital membership requirement as a forward-looking reform designed to deepen internal democracy.
According to the ruling party, credible political organizations should already maintain updated and verifiable membership databases.
The APC maintained that the digital register policy would reduce disputes during party primaries and eliminate controversies linked to manipulated membership lists.
The ruling party also stressed that the INEC timetable was released well in advance of the 2027 elections, providing political actors sufficient time to comply with regulatory obligations.
It argued that well-organized parties should not view administrative timelines as obstacles but rather as standards that enhance accountability.
Addressing accusations that the timetable was tailored to benefit the APC and President Tinubu, the party described such claims as speculative and unsupported by evidence.
It insisted that INEC’s authority is constitutionally defined and that its decisions are administrative rather than partisan.
According to the APC, politicizing routine electoral procedures risks eroding public confidence in democratic institutions.
Furthermore, the APC expressed confidence that electoral success in 2027 would depend on governance performance rather than alleged institutional manipulation.
The party highlighted ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s fiscal and economic systems as evidence that the current administration is focused on long-term structural correction.
It cited financial system reforms, energy sector recalibration, infrastructure investments, and macroeconomic restructuring as indicators of progress.
The APC argued that revenue optimization strategies and policy continuity are essential for sustaining economic stability.
In its view, voters will evaluate performance records rather than opposition narratives when making electoral choices.
The party concluded by urging all political stakeholders to respect INEC’s constitutional independence and adhere strictly to electoral regulations.
It encouraged opposition parties to strengthen their internal structures, comply with digital reforms, and offer policy alternatives instead of questioning administrative decisions.
While acknowledging the right of opposition groups to raise concerns, the APC maintained that responsible democratic engagement requires evidence-based critique rather than conjecture.
It reiterated that the revised INEC timetable enhances clarity and order ahead of the 2027 elections and does not undermine any political platform.
In closing, the ruling party affirmed its confidence that a transparent process, combined with governance credibility, would position it favourably in Ondo State and nationwide during the upcoming polls.
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