Political parties in Nigeria are under pressure to meet strict deadlines following the release of the 2026 Electoral Act and INEC’s revised timetable for the 2027 general elections. The law introduces major changes, including direct primaries or consensus nominations, a ban on courts halting electoral processes, and mandatory digital membership registers containing National Identification Numbers (NIN). Parties must submit their membership data at least 21 days before primaries, congresses, or conventions.
The Labour Party, LP, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, is racing against time to secure funding and rebuild its structures. Internal disputes and financial constraints have slowed nationwide congresses, with some officials reportedly funding party activities personally. Despite the challenges, LP has submitted State Working Committee lists for 32 states and the FCT and is exploring fundraising initiatives to boost finances ahead of the polls.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has already conducted electronic registration of its members and is revalidating its database to include NINs as required by the new law. Party spokesperson Mazi Ejimofor emphasized that APGA aims to comply with all deadlines while urging INEC to ensure its guidelines do not disadvantage smaller parties.
The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has deployed a verified digital membership database of over 10 million members linked to NINs, coupled with a grassroots funding strategy. National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda said the party is mobilizing efficiently for credible primaries and inaugurated a National Convention Planning Committee headed by Aminu Bello Masari to oversee preparations.
Other parties are also gearing up: the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, confirmed readiness with digital registration and completed congresses from ward to state levels. Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, warned that the short timeline for compliance could disadvantage opposition parties, describing the nationwide digital membership requirement as “almost practically impossible” within the given period. Despite challenges, political parties are intensifying preparations as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections.
