The Action Peoples Party (APP) has commended the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, over the recent amendment to the timetable for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general election, describing the move as "a bold and confidence-building step" in Nigeria's democratic process.
The party's position was contained in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Chief Uche Nnadi, and released after INEC announced the adjustment in a statement issued last Thursday in Abuja by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
INEC said the revised timeline followed consultations with political party leaders and adjusted the primaries window to align with the Electoral Act 2026.
According to the APP, the amendment showed that the electoral umpire was willing to listen to stakeholders and act in the broader interest of credible and transparent elections.
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"The Action Peoples Party (APP) has commended the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, for the recent amendment to the timetable for party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the decision as a bold and confidence-building step in Nigeria's democratic process," the statement said.
The party noted that the shift in the timetable reflected positively on the Commission's responsiveness to concerns raised by stakeholders in the electoral process.
INEC had announced that the deadline extension followed "concerns raised" by party leaders and that political parties are now free to conduct their primaries within the revised period from April 23 to May 30, 2026, while still complying with the legal requirement to submit their membership registers at least 21 days before their primaries.
According to the APP, this approach demonstrated "a responsive and inclusive" style of electoral management that could strengthen trust in the process ahead of the 2027 polls.
"According to the Commission, the decision to extend the deadline followed extensive consultations with leaders of political parties earlier in the week, reflecting a responsive and inclusive approach to electoral management," the party said.
The APP also underscored INEC's warning that all parties must strictly observe the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 as they prepare for internal party activities and eventual nomination of candidates.
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"INEC also urged all political parties to strictly comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which outlines clear timelines and guidelines for party activities in the build-up to the 2027 general elections," the statement added.
Nnadi said the party believed the amendment will allow political parties more room to conduct credible, orderly and participatory primaries.
"The adjustment demonstrates the Commission's willingness to listen to stakeholders and act in the overall interest of credible and transparent elections," the statement read.
The party argued that flexibility of that nature, provided it remains within the confines of the law, would go a long way in improving confidence in Nigeria's electoral process.
"Such flexibility, when exercised within the ambit of the law, strengthens trust in the electoral process and provides political parties with the necessary window to conduct more inclusive and well-organized primaries," APP said.
It further urged political parties not to abuse the extended timeline, but to use it to deepen internal democracy and build credibility within their ranks.
Reaffirming its broader position on the 2027 elections, the party said it remained committed to collaborating with INEC and other stakeholders to ensure the conduct of credible polls.
