The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will hold a world press conference and national stakeholders' meeting in Abuja, marking the start of the 100-day countdown to the 2027 general elections. The event will provide updates on preparations, including the voters' register, candidate nominations, and logistics. INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, will address the meeting, which will be attended by political party leaders, security agencies, and civil society organizations.
The meeting comes as preparations for the 2027 elections enter a critical phase. INEC's timetable fixes February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027. The commission had earlier outlined a series of activities leading to the polls, including party primaries and candidate nominations.
However, the Action Alliance (AA) has accused INEC of disobeying a court judgment over party leadership. AA National Chairman, Kenneth Udeze, stated that the planned world press conference by INEC is a "dangerous threat" to the general elections. Udeze claimed that INEC's exclusion of the authentic AA leadership, affirmed by the Court of Appeal, is a "mockery of the rule of law" in Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has been holding meetings with political leaders, traditional rulers, and business figures in Lagos as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections. Tinubu received several prominent figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and businessmen Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu, at his Ikoyi residence. He also visited the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, at the Iga Idunganran Palace.
The visit to the Oba of Lagos attracted residents, supporters, and well-wishers who gathered along parts of Marina and Isale Eko. The atmosphere reflected the cultural significance of the meeting, with traditional drumming and praise singing accompanying the President's arrival. Tinubu exchanged pleasantries with the monarch before proceeding into the palace for the meeting.
The meetings and events come as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. INEC has emphasized its commitment to delivering free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive elections. The commission's engagement with stakeholders aims to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Key stakeholders, including political party leaders and civil society organizations, are expected to attend the national stakeholders' meeting. The event will be broadcast live on major national television networks and streamed on INEC's official social media platforms.
Key points
- INEC begins 100-day countdown to 2027 general elections amid party disputes and defections.
- Action Alliance accuses INEC of disobeying court judgment over party leadership.
- President Bola Tinubu holds meetings with political leaders, traditional rulers, and business figures in Lagos.
