By Obinna Uballa
Former presidential candidate and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has urged President Bola Tinubu to support a shift in Nigeria’s political party primaries to September, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had scheduled the window for political party primary elections to take place between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
But in an open letter to the President, Olawepo-Hashim warned that the current electoral timetable, which compresses party primaries into a shorter window, risks weakening internal democracy and undermining preparations for the 2027 general elections.
According to a statement from his media office on Thursday, the businessman and energy entrepreneur argued that Section 29(1) of the amended Electoral Act allows political parties sufficient time to conduct primaries up to mid-September.
He maintained that adherence to the provision would enhance transparency, broaden participation, and improve fairness in the selection of candidates across political parties.
“The current timetable constrains 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 heighten internal party tensions, disenfranchise aspirants, and reduce public confidence in the electoral system.
He further warned that any arrangement that limits competitiveness in the electoral process could have wider consequences for Nigeria’s democratic stability.
The PDP stalwart also reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting that the country’s return to civilian rule was achieved through significant sacrifices, and must be protected through continuous reforms that strengthen political inclusion and fairness.
He called on the President to consider broader electoral reforms, including a review of certain provisions of the Electoral Act, to ensure a level playing field for all political actors.
Olawepo-Hashim also emphasized the need to strengthen confidence in electoral institutions, stressing that public trust remains essential for credible elections and peaceful political transitions.
He argued that extending the timeline for primaries would reduce political tensions, improve internal party democracy, and allow stronger, more credible candidates to emerge ahead of elections.
“The adjustment of the timetable to align fully with the Electoral Act will demonstrate commitment to due process and help prevent avoidable political crises ahead of the polls,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the President would consider the proposal in the interest of national stability and democratic consolidation.
