Questions over the credibility of Nigeria’s next general elections have come to the fore as former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim urges a shift in the timetable for party primaries, warning that rushed processes could weaken democratic standards.

In an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Olawepo-Hashim called for primaries to be moved to September, aligning with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. He argued that the timing of internal party contests will play a decisive role in determining how credible and inclusive the 2027 elections turn out.

According to him, the current push for earlier primaries risks limiting participation within political parties, potentially sidelining aspirants and fuelling disputes. He cited Section 29(1) of the law, which allows parties until mid-September to conduct primaries, insisting that using the full legal window would strengthen transparency and fairness.

The former candidate warned that compressing the process could deepen internal crises within parties, undermine public confidence, and ultimately affect the quality of candidates presented to voters. He added that such tensions, if not managed early, could spill into the broader electoral environment.

Beyond the timetable, Olawepo-Hashim also raised concerns about trust in electoral institutions, urging reforms to improve confidence in the system. He called on the President to take steps that would ensure a level playing field, including reviewing contentious provisions of the electoral framework and strengthening institutional credibility ahead of the polls.

He maintained that credible primaries remain the foundation of credible elections, stressing that Nigeria’s democratic progress depends on inclusive participation and adherence to due process. According to him, aligning political activities with the law would reduce conflict, promote stability, and help safeguard the integrity of the 2027 general elections.