A former presidential candidate and energy entrepreneur, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the nation’s electoral process by supporting a shift in the timetable for political party primaries to September, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
Olawepo-Hashim made the call in an open letter addressed to the President, warning that the current rush toward early primaries could undermine internal party democracy and weaken the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
According to a statement issued by his media office and made available to PUNCH Online on Thursday, the former candidate stressed that Section 29(1) of the amended Electoral Act provides a broader window for parties to conduct their primaries up to mid-September.
He argued that adherence to this timeline would enhance transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness in the electoral process.
“The current timetable constrains the latitude of political parties to conduct their primaries. There is a need to allow sufficient time, as envisaged by law, for parties to organise credible and participatory primaries,” he stated.
Olawepo-Hashim expressed concern that compressing the primary election process could fuel disputes within parties, disenfranchise aspirants, and ultimately diminish public confidence in the electoral system.
He also warned that actions capable of producing a non-competitive electoral environment could pose serious risks to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
He recalled that Nigeria’s democratic gains were built through sacrifices made during the struggle against military rule, stressing that safeguarding political pluralism remains essential to sustaining those gains.
The letter further urged the President to promote reforms that would strengthen electoral credibility, including a review of contentious provisions in the Electoral Act and measures to ensure a level playing field for all political actors.
He also called for steps to enhance confidence in electoral institutions, noting that trust in the system is critical to peaceful and credible elections.
According to him, allowing political parties adequate time to conduct primaries would not only reduce tensions but also deepen internal democracy and improve the quality of candidates that emerge for elective offices.
He maintained that adjusting the timetable to align with the Electoral Act would demonstrate a commitment to due process and help avert avoidable political disputes ahead of the polls.
The former presidential candidate expressed hope that the president would consider the recommendations in the interest of political stability and national cohesion.
He added that ensuring a transparent and inclusive primary process remains a key step toward credible elections and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.
