Nigerian parties reject 2027 election postponement despite rising insecurity concerns
via Punch Nigeria11 min read
Opposition political parties in Nigeria have voiced strong concerns that escalating insecurity, including terrorist attacks, banditry, and kidnappings, could jeopardize the integrity of the 2027 general elections. Parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Allied Peoples Movement, and Labour Party, accuse President Bola Tinubu’s administration of failing to address the security crisis. They warn that continued violence could deter voters and disenfranchise those displaced from their communities. Despite these concerns, the parties unanimously reject any calls for postponing the elections, arguing that such a move would concede democratic space to violent groups. Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC National Publicity Secretary, emphasized the need for the Independent National Electoral Commission to plan for displaced voters. Ini Ememobong, PDP factional National Publicity Secretary, and Obiora Ifoh, LP National Publicity Secretary, both dismissed postponement, highlighting the constitutional timeline for elections. Dipo Olayokun, NNPP National Secretary, stated that seven months is sufficient for a serious government to improve security, while Yusuf Dantalle, APM National Chairman, warned that insecurity threatens Nigeria's survival beyond just the elections.
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