Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim petitions President Tinubu to delay political party primaries until September under Electoral Act 2026

Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim calls on President Tinubu to realign the primary election timetable with the Electoral Act 2026 and demands a new INEC leadership.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 10:32 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

Advocating for Compliance with the New Electoral Framework

A prominent figure in Nigerian politics has issued a high-level appeal to the presidency to realign the upcoming electoral cycle with current statutory provisions. Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, an energy entrepreneur, is urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise his influence to ensure that political party primaries are held in September rather than earlier dates. According to Hashim, the Electoral Act 2026 provides a specific window that allows for this adjustment, and failing to utilize it could significantly undermine the integrity of the 2027 general elections. He maintains that rushing the process serves to stifle the democratic latitude required for political parties to function effectively.

Threats to Internal Democracy and Credibility

The core of Hashim’s concern lies in the potential for a non-competitive electoral environment if the current timetable persists. He argues that a compressed schedule for primary elections frequently leads to internal party disputes, as it does not allow sufficient time for inclusive and fair participation. By moving the timeline to mid-September, as permitted under Section 29(1) of the law, the electoral process could become more transparent. Hashim warned that disenfranchising aspirants through a rushed calendar only serves to diminish public confidence in the democratic system, risking the stability of the nation's political pluralism.

Call for Reconstitution of the Electoral Commission

A significant portion of Hashim’s open letter is dedicated to the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission. He has explicitly advised the President to request that the current Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, step aside from his role. The rationale behind this demand is to facilitate the reconstitution of what Hashim describes as a broadly credible commission capable of overseeing the 2027 polls with total impartiality. He suggests that such a move is essential for enhancing trust in electoral institutions, which has become a focal point of concern for various political actors and stakeholders.