Olawepo-Hashim to Tinubu, INEC: Uphold electoral act, shift party primaries to September

Former presidential candidate and energy entrepreneur, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in Nigeria’s electoral process by ensuring political parties are allowed to conduct their primaries in September, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

In an open letter to the President, Olawepo-Hashim expressed concern that the current electoral timetable appears to be compressing the window for party primaries.

Such development, he warned, could weaken internal democracy and undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

He argued that Section 29(1) of the amended Electoral Act provides sufficient flexibility for parties to conduct their primaries up to mid-September, stressing that adherence to the timeline would promote transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness.

“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 cautioned that rushing the process could trigger internal party disputes, disenfranchise aspirants, and erode public confidence in the electoral system.

He further warned against what he described as a growing risk of a non-competitive political environment, noting that such a trend could threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability.

Recalling Nigeria’s democratic journey, he said the nation’s progress was built on sacrifices made during the struggle against military rule.

Olawepo-Hashim further noted that protecting political pluralism remains essential to sustaining those gains.

He also urged reforms to strengthen electoral credibility, including a review of contentious provisions in the Electoral Act and measures to ensure a level playing field for all political actors.

In a further appeal, he called on the President to advise the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, to step aside to allow for the reconstitution of what he described as a more broadly credible electoral commission to oversee forthcoming elections.

He emphasized that confidence in electoral institutions is critical to peaceful and credible elections, adding that allowing adequate time for party primaries would reduce political tensions and improve the quality of candidates emerging for elective offices.

According to him, aligning the timetable with the Electoral Act would demonstrate commitment to due process and help prevent avoidable disputes ahead of the polls.

Olawepo-Hashim expressed hope that the President would consider the recommendations in the interest of political stability and national cohesion, noting that credible and inclusive primaries remain vital to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.