The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has rejected the recently released timetable for the 2027 general elections issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as unfair and potentially detrimental to Nigeria’s democratic process.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Engr. Yabagi Sani, the party said it “rejects in the strongest terms” the electoral calendar in its current form, arguing that it raises “serious red flags about fairness, inclusiveness, and equal political opportunity.”
The ADP contended that the timetable compresses critical pre-election activities, including party membership validation, primaries, and candidate emergence, into what it described as an unreasonably tight window. According to the party, such compression risks disadvantage opposition parties and emerging political platforms.
“Democracy is not a race designed for only the well-positioned to win,” the statement read, warning that credible elections are built long before election day. The party argued that when preparatory processes are rushed, the integrity of the overall electoral exercise could be called into question.
The ADP expressed concern that the schedule would place undue pressure on nationwide party structures to complete complex statutory processes within a limited timeframe.
It also warned that the timeline could create systemic disadvantages for smaller and reform-minded parties, potentially fueling public distrust and political tension ahead of the 2027 polls.
“Nigeria has paid too high a price in its democratic journey to allow administrative decisions to create avoidable suspicion or instability,” the party stated.
As part of its demands, the ADP called for an immediate stakeholder review of the timetable and an expansion of critical deadlines.
It also urged Nigerians, civil society groups, and democratic institutions to insist on a level playing field for all political parties.
“This is not about one party. This is about protecting the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy,” the statement added.
While reaffirming its commitment to peaceful democratic participation, the party said it would continue to speak out against any measures it believes could undermine public confidence in the electoral process, insisting that Nigeria’s democracy must remain open, fair, and genuinely competitive.