The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has cautioned the National Assembly against its plan to bring Nigeria’s 2027 general elections forward to November 2026, warning that such a move could disrupt governance and destabilize the nation’s political landscape.
In a statement issued by the party’s Southwest leader, Olufemi Oguntoyinbo, the NNPP described the proposal — contained in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025 — as ill-conceived and potentially disastrous.
Oguntoyinbo argued that the move would mount undue pressure on political parties, candidates, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), threatening both the credibility and logistics of the entire electoral process.
“The National Assembly must avoid creating needless tension by rushing the country into an election cycle that lacks adequate preparation. Elections are not casual events; they require planning, funding, and structure,” he warned.
The amendment bill before lawmakers seeks to compel INEC to conduct presidential and governorship elections not later than 185 days before the expiration of current tenures, effectively moving the next general elections forward by several months.
Supporters of the proposal claim it would allow more time for election petitions to be concluded before the May 29, 2027 handover date.
But Oguntoyinbo dismissed that argument, insisting that the responsibility for timely resolution of election disputes rests with the judiciary, not an artificial shift in the political calendar.
He urged lawmakers to prioritize stability, proper planning, and adherence to democratic principles rather than forcing the nation into what he described as a “hasty and unnecessary electoral experiment.”
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