INEC Timetable Unlawful, Unworkable, and Insensitive: A Deep Dive into Gbenga Hashim’s Critique and the Electoral Act

Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has reignited a critical national conversation by denouncing the electoral timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In a detailed statement, Hashim described the schedule as unlawful, unworkable, and insensitive to Nigeria’s complex political and religious realities. His critique goes beyond mere opinion, grounding itself in specific provisions of the Electoral Act and the practical challenges facing political parties. This article unpacks Hashim’s arguments, provides context on the legal framework, and explores the broader implications for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The Core Complaint: A Timetable That Breeds Tension

Hashim argues that the current scheduling framework is creating avoidable tension within the political system. He warns that the compressed timeline could destabilize party structures, leading to internal conflicts and a breakdown of democratic processes. According to Hashim, the tight electoral calendar does not give political parties sufficient time to conduct internal primaries properly. This pressure, he says, is already manifesting as growing internal disputes across the political landscape.

To understand the gravity of this, consider the typical timeline for a Nigerian political party: from candidate screening to primaries, appeals, and final nominations, parties need at least 90–120 days to ensure transparency and reduce litigation. When this window is squeezed, parties often resort to rushed, opaque processes that favor incumbents or moneyed interests, undermining the very essence of democracy.

Legal Grounds: Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act

Hashim’s most potent argument rests on a specific legal provision. Citing Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, he notes that political parties are required to submit nominations to INEC not later than 120 days before the election. For the 2027 general elections, this means parties have until mid-September to complete their nomination processes. Hashim questions why INEC would adopt a “chaotic timetable” that circumvents this clear statutory timeline.

Let’s break this down: If the election is scheduled for February 2027, the 120-day deadline falls in October 2026. However, INEC’s timetable reportedly compresses party primaries into a much shorter window, forcing parties to hold primaries as early as March or April 2026. This creates a paradox: parties must nominate candidates far earlier than the law requires, yet they are given less time to do so. Hashim’s query—“Why adopt a chaotic timetable circumventing the provisions of the Act?”—highlights a potential legal inconsistency that could invite court challenges.

Religious Insensitivity: Clashing with Hajj and Ileya

Hashim also faults INEC for scheduling politically intensive activities—including party primaries—around sensitive religious periods such as Hajj (the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca) and Ileya (Eid al-Adha). These periods already come with significant logistical and security demands. Millions of Nigerian Muslims travel domestically and internationally, straining transport networks and security services. Combining this with political primaries, Hashim warns, could heighten tensions and trigger avoidable disruptions.

“Combining election primaries with periods like Hajj and Ileya, which already carry security and mobility challenges, is unreasonable,” he said. This is not merely a matter of inconvenience; it is a practical security risk. During Hajj, for example, security forces are stretched thin, and political gatherings could become targets for unrest. Hashim insists that party primaries themselves often generate political tension and security concerns, requiring adequate spacing and proper planning. Compressing religious and political schedules unnecessarily increases national risk and could undermine stability within political parties.

Unanswered Appeal to the President

Hashim disclosed that he had earlier written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging guidance to ensure INEC strictly adheres to the provisions of the Electoral Act. He noted, however, that no response had been received to the appeal. This silence raises questions about the executive’s role in electoral oversight. While INEC is constitutionally independent, the President’s moral suasion could influence the commission to reconsider its timetable. The lack of engagement may signal either indifference or a reluctance to interfere with INEC’s autonomy.

Related

Broader Implications for 2027

Hashim warned that failure to review and adjust the timetable could deepen political tensions and erode public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 elections. This is not a hypothetical concern. Nigeria has a history of election-related violence, much of it stemming from poorly managed primaries. When parties feel rushed, they are more likely to cut corners, leading to disputed outcomes and legal battles. The 2023 elections saw numerous pre-election cases that clogged the courts; a compressed timetable could exacerbate this.

Moreover, the timetable’s insensitivity to religious periods could disenfranchise voters and candidates who observe Hajj or celebrate Eid al-Adala. Imagine a candidate who is also a religious leader; they would be forced to choose between their faith and their political ambitions. This is not just unfair—it is a recipe for alienation and reduced voter turnout.

Practical Examples and Recommendations

To illustrate the problem, consider a hypothetical party in a northern state. If primaries are scheduled during the week of Eid al-Adha, many party members will be traveling or observing religious rites. The party might hold a poorly attended primary, leading to a candidate selected by a small, unrepresentative group. This candidate could then face legitimacy challenges, splitting the party and weakening its chances in the general election.

What can be done? Hashim implicitly calls for INEC to:

• Extend the primary window to align with the 120-day deadline in Section 29(1).
• Avoid religious holidays by consulting with religious bodies before finalizing the timetable.
• Engage political parties in a consultative process to ensure the schedule is workable.

These steps would not only reduce tension but also enhance the credibility of the electoral process. As Hashim noted, the Electoral Act already provides sufficient timelines; the problem is implementation, not legislation.

Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Review

Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim’s critique is a timely reminder that electoral integrity depends not just on the day of voting, but on the entire process leading up to it. An unworkable timetable can undermine years of democratic progress. As Nigeria prepares for 2027, INEC must heed these warnings and adjust its schedule to reflect legal realities, religious sensitivities, and the practical needs of political parties. Failure to do so risks not only political instability but also a loss of public faith in the democratic system.

All credit goes to the original article. For more information, read the: Source link