A former presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has raised fresh concerns over the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that political party primaries for the 2027 general elections are conducted strictly in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
In a strongly worded open letter addressed to the President, Olawepo-Hashim cautioned against what he described as a growing push within certain political circles to hold party primaries earlier than stipulated by law. According to him, such a move, if allowed to proceed unchecked, could erode internal party democracy and cast a shadow over the credibility of the upcoming elections.
The former presidential hopeful argued that the legal framework guiding Nigeria’s electoral process is clear and unambiguous. Citing Section 29(1) of the amended Electoral Act, he noted that political parties are granted sufficient time to organise their primaries up until mid-September. This window, he stressed, was deliberately designed to ensure proper planning, wider participation, and adherence to democratic principles within party structures.
Olawepo-Hashim warned that deviating from this timeline could have far-reaching consequences. He explained that early primaries often favour entrenched interests, limit opportunities for new entrants, and reduce the level of competition within parties. Over time, this could weaken public confidence in the electoral system and reinforce perceptions of exclusion and manipulation.
He further emphasised that democracy thrives not only on general elections but also on the transparency and fairness of internal party processes. According to him, when party primaries are rushed or manipulated, the outcome is often a slate of candidates that do not truly reflect the will of party members or the broader electorate.
In his letter, Olawepo-Hashim urged President Tinubu to take a firm stand in defence of the rule of law. He called on the President to direct relevant institutions, including electoral bodies and political parties, to comply strictly with the provisions of the Electoral Act. He also appealed for vigilance against any attempt to reinterpret or sidestep the law for political convenience.
The former candidate noted that Nigeria stands at a critical juncture as it prepares for another election cycle. With public trust in democratic institutions already under scrutiny, he argued that adherence to established laws and procedures is more important than ever. Any perception of bias or irregularity, he warned, could deepen political divisions and undermine national cohesion.
Observers say the debate over the timing of party primaries reflects broader tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape, as parties begin early manoeuvring ahead of 2027. While some stakeholders argue that early primaries allow for better preparation and conflict resolution, critics like Olawepo-Hashim insist that legality and fairness must take precedence over convenience.
As the conversation continues, many Nigerians are watching closely to see how the Federal Government and political parties will respond. For Olawepo-Hashim, the issue goes beyond scheduling, it is about safeguarding the integrity of the democratic process and ensuring that the will of the people remains the cornerstone of governance.
His message to the President was clear: respect the law, protect democracy, and give Nigerians an electoral process they can trust.
