The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly opposed a proposal by the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act and move the 2027 general elections to November 2026. The party warns that such a shift could harm governance and stall Nigeria’s development.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the proposal would shorten the governance cycle, trigger constant political campaigning, and derail long-term development plans.
“The amendment risks creating deeper problems than it solves,” Abdullahi stated. “By cutting six months from the political calendar, Nigeria risks becoming trapped in endless electioneering where politics overrides governance.”
The National Assembly’s proposal aims to ensure that all election-related court cases are resolved before the May 29, 2027 handover. The move is part of broader amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act and has generated mixed reactions nationwide.
Some critics claim the proposal could be an attempt to extend President Bola Tinubu’s influence, while others believe it might improve electoral transparency if properly implemented.
But the ADC argued that pushing elections earlier would only intensify unhealthy political behavior and governance neglect.
“Campaigns for November 2026 elections will begin as early as 2025,” Abdullahi warned. “That leaves less than two years for actual governance before politics takes center stage. Ministries and government projects will be sidelined in the scramble for political advantage.”
Drawing from the current administration’s performance, the ADC said that even under the existing schedule, public officials are already prioritizing political campaigns over national interest.
The party urged lawmakers to abandon the proposal and instead focus on real electoral reforms—such as setting strict timelines for resolving election disputes and improving institutional efficiency.
“If the concern is delayed rulings on petitions, the solution isn’t to rush elections but to reform the judiciary and electoral bodies,” the statement added.
The ADC cited examples from other democracies like Kenya, Indonesia, and Ghana, where courts resolve presidential election disputes within set, short timeframes. These systems, the party said, show that early elections aren’t the solution—efficient institutions are.
“Changing election dates without addressing judicial delays and electoral system weaknesses will not yield results,” the party concluded. “Nigerians deserve more than a government in constant campaign mode.”
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