Bringing 2027 elections forward to 2026 will derail governance – NNPP

The New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, has warned the National Assembly against its plan to move Nigeria’s 2027 general elections forward to November 2026.

In a statement, a southwest leader of the the party, Olufemi Oguntoyinbo, said such a decision could derail governance and further destabilise the country.

He described the proposal, contained in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, as ill-conceived and capable of plunging the political system into confusion.

According to him, the proposed shift would impose unnecessary pressure on political parties, candidates, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, thereby threatening both the credibility and the logistics of the 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 said.

DAILY POST reports that the amendment before lawmakers sought to hold presidential and governorship elections not later than 185 days before the expiration of current tenures, effectively bringing the next general elections forward by several months.

Proponents claimed the move will allow sufficient time for election petitions to be resolved before the May 29, 2027 handover date.

However, the NNPP chieftain dismissed that justification, insisting that the timely conclusion of election disputes lies with the judiciary, not the political calendar.