•Gbenga Hashim
A former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that political party primaries are conducted in September, in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
In an open letter to the President, Olawepo-Hashim warned against what he described as a push for early primaries, cautioning that such a move could undermine internal party democracy and weaken the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
He argued that Section 29(1) of the amended Electoral Act provides adequate room for political parties to conduct their primaries up to mid-September, noting that strict adherence to the legal framework would enhance transparency, inclusiveness and fairness, reports The Nation.
According to him, the current timetable restricts the flexibility available to parties, limiting their capacity to organise credible and participatory primaries that truly reflect the will of party members.
Olawepo-Hashim also expressed concern that compressing the primary election process could fuel intra-party disputes, sideline aspirants and erode public confidence in the electoral system.
He further warned that any step capable of creating a non-competitive electoral environment poses significant risks to Nigeria’s democratic stability and long-term political development.
Olawepo-Hashim recalled the sacrifices made during the struggle against military rule, noting that Nigeria’s democratic gains must be protected through the preservation of political pluralism and respect for due process.
The letter also urged President Tinubu to champion reforms that would strengthen electoral credibility, including a review of contentious provisions of the Electoral Act and the promotion of a level playing field for all political actors.
He specifically 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 broadly credible electoral body to oversee forthcoming elections.
Olawepo-Hashim maintained that granting political parties adequate time to conduct primaries would reduce tensions, deepen internal democracy and enhance the quality of candidates, expressing optimism that the President would consider the recommendations in the interest of national cohesion and credible election.
