Olawepo-Hashim Demands INEC Chairman’s Resignation Over 2027 Election Timetable

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, Hashim rejected the revised schedule for party primaries announced by INEC on February 26, describing it as an overreach of the commission’s powers and alleging that it was designed to favour the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to him, the electoral body lacks the constitutional authority to dictate when political parties should hold their primaries beyond ensuring compliance with statutory deadlines for submission of candidates.

“It’s not the business of INEC to dictate to parties when they should conduct nominations of candidates for elections. 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,” he said.

Hashim further alleged that shifting the primaries to an earlier date was a deliberate move to weaken opposition parties currently facing internal disputes and court cases.

“He’s deliberately working to favour the APC, having destabilised other political parties who are trying to sort out themselves in court. That is disingenuous and wrong,” he added.

INEC had earlier announced adjustments to the 2027 election timetable, including timelines for party primaries and submission of candidates, as part of preparations for the polls, maintaining that the changes are necessary to ensure an orderly electoral process and compliance with the Electoral Act.

However, Hashim argued that while the commission can set dates for general elections and deadlines for submission of candidates’ lists, the conduct and scheduling of party primaries remain internal matters for political parties.

“INEC is not a headmaster that can impose what it wants on political parties. As long as parties comply with the Electoral Act regarding submission timelines, they have the right to determine when to hold their primaries,” he stated.

He also insisted that the commission must be reconstituted to guarantee credible elections in 2027, stressing that public confidence in its leadership is essential.

“For us to have an acceptable, free and fair election in 2027, INEC has to be reconstituted. Rushing out an ill-thought-out timetable after what we consider a poor performance in the Abuja Area Council election shows that the chairman cannot be entrusted with the 2027 general election,” he said.

Hashim warned that perceived bias or administrative overreach could heighten political tensions ahead of the polls and urged stakeholders to protect the country’s democratic stability.