A former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has called for the resignation of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, over the recently released timetable for the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Saturday, Olawepo-Hashim rejected the adjusted schedule for party primaries announced by INEC on Thursday, February 26, 2026, describing it as an overreach of the commission’s constitutional powers.
He alleged that the revised timetable was structured in a manner that could favour the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the commission must maintain strict neutrality in the discharge of its duties. According to him, INEC does not possess the constitutional authority to dictate when political parties should conduct their primaries beyond ensuring compliance with statutory deadlines for the submission of candidates. “It’s not the business of INEC to dictate to parties when they should conduct nominations of candidates for elections,” he said.
“This shows that Amupitan cannot be trusted. It’s either he resigns or Nigerians will embark on mass action to force him out. He should not be allowed to stay a day longer in that office.” Olawepo-Hashim argued that while the electoral body has the responsibility to supervise elections and enforce compliance with electoral laws, internal party processes such as the scheduling of primaries fall primarily within the jurisdiction of the political parties themselves.
He warned that actions perceived as partisan or excessive could undermine public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
The former presidential candidate urged civil society organisations, opposition parties and other stakeholders to scrutinise the new timetable to ensure that it aligns with constitutional provisions and democratic principles. INEC had earlier announced adjustments to key pre-election activities as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections, a move that has since sparked debate among political actors and observers.
