INEC Opens 38-Day Primary Window as Preparations for 2027 General Elections Begin
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
Nigeria’s journey to the 2027 general elections has officially begun, following the commencement of activities by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the opening of the 38-day window for political parties to conduct their primaries.
With the process starting today, April 23, 2026, all registered political parties now have until May 30, 2026, to organize and conclude primaries for the nomination of candidates seeking to contest presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State Houses of Assembly elections.
The development marks an important stride in the nation’s democratic calendar, as it signals the start of formal political activities leading to the next general elections.
Primaries are among the most critical stages in the electoral process, as they determine which aspirants will fly the flags of their respective parties in the main elections. For many parties, the period is often characterized by consultations, negotiations, strategic alliances, zoning discussions, and campaigns by aspirants hoping to secure tickets.
INEC also stated that political parties must submit their membership registers at least 21 days before the dates scheduled for their primaries. Based on the current timetable, the final deadline for submission of membership registers is May 10, 2026.
The commission’s directive is aimed at ensuring transparency and compliance with electoral regulations, while helping to reduce disputes that often arise during party nomination processes.
In addition to conducting primaries, political parties are expected to resolve any disputes resulting from the exercises within the same 38-day period. Internal disagreements over delegate lists, zoning arrangements, eligibility of aspirants, and outcome of primaries have in the past created legal battles capable of affecting party chances during general elections.
Political analysts believe the coming weeks will witness heightened political activities across the country, as aspirants intensify consultations and party structures begin preparations for delegate congresses and nomination contests.
The primaries are expected to shape the political landscape ahead of 2027, especially as major parties position themselves for what is anticipated to be a highly competitive election cycle.
With the official process now underway, attention will be focused on how parties manage internal democracy, candidate selection, and dispute resolution in the build-up to the next nationwide polls.
Nafiu Muhammad Lema writes from Sokoto, Nigeria
