The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned the National Assembly against any move to reschedule the 2027 general elections to an earlier date in 2026, describing the proposal as a threat to governance stability and democratic order.
In a statement issued on Monday, the party said advancing the election timetable would disrupt the electoral calendar, cut short the tenure of current officeholders, and weaken institutional confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
“Don’t Turn Nigeria Into a Perpetual Campaign Ground” — ADC
Speaking on behalf of the party, National Publicity Secretary Abdulkadir Abdullahi said the idea of holding general elections in November 2026, rather than the constitutionally expected early 2027, risks triggering continuous political agitation while depriving Nigerians of focused governance.
“What this proposal means is that political campaigns will kick off as early as 2025. This will leave very little room for governance, and instead throw the country into yet another cycle of political distractions,” the statement read.
Proposal Aimed at Resolving Election Disputes Before Swearing-In
The National Assembly is reportedly considering a constitutional amendment to allow more time between general elections and the inauguration of newly elected officials.
Proponents argue this would give courts sufficient time to conclude election petitions before officials are sworn into office.
However, the ADC contends that altering the election calendar is not the solution. Instead, the party recommends strengthening electoral and judicial institutions to enable faster resolution of electoral disputes.
ADC’s Recommendations
Rather than amending the electoral timetable, the ADC proposes the following:
* Timely adjudication of election petitions within the current constitutional window.
* Reforms to INEC and the electoral tribunal process to fast-track dispute resolution.
* Capacity building for the judiciary to prevent post-election legal backlogs.
The party cited examples from other democracies such as Ghana, Kenya, and Indonesia, where electoral disputes are resolved efficiently without rescheduling national elections.
Legislative Warning
The party warned lawmakers not to exploit constitutional amendments to manipulate electoral outcomes or shorten democratic mandates.
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“We urge the National Assembly to drop this plan and focus instead on strengthening the legal and institutional framework of our electoral system,” the statement concluded.
Before Now
The idea of moving the 2027 elections to late 2026 has been quietly debated in political circles. While there is no official bill yet before the National Assembly, multiple sources have confirmed that some lawmakers are lobbying to have the change introduced as part of a broader constitutional amendment process.
As of now, no official decision has been made, but the ADC’s public opposition may signal the start of broader resistance among political parties, civil society groups, and other stakeholders.
