With the release of the 2026 Electoral Act and a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, political parties are under pressure to meet strict deadlines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Although the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, had earlier threatened to boycott the elections unless certain provisions of the law were amended, many political parties have begun adjusting their internal processes to comply with the new requirements.
A review of preparations across the major political parties showed a mixed picture. While some parties say they are ready for the polls, others are grappling with funding challenges, internal disputes, and administrative adjustments required by the new electoral framework.
How prepared are the parties?
Following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, INEC released a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, fixing the presidential and National Assembly polls for January 16, 2027.
The law introduces several changes to the electoral process.
One of the major provisions requires political parties to nominate candidates through direct primaries or consensus, effectively abolishing the delegate system previously used in many party conventions.
Another provision prevents courts from halting electoral processes while cases are pending. The register must be submitted to INEC at least 21 days before party primaries, congresses or conventions.
These new requirements have forced parties to accelerate internal reforms and administrative preparations.