Olawepo-Hashim wants INEC Chairman resigned or face mass action over new election timetable

…Expresses doubt over credible poll in 2027

Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a former presidential candidate, has called on Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to resign over the recently announced timetable for the 2027 general election.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja, Hashim rejected the adjusted schedule for party primaries released by INEC on Thursday, describing it as an overreach and alleging that it was structured to favour the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to him, INEC does not have the authority to dictate when political parties should conduct their primaries.

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

“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 alleged that moving the primaries to an earlier date was a deliberate attempt to weaken opposition parties currently dealing with internal disputes.

“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 said.

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Hashim further argued that for the 2027 election to be free and fair, the electoral commission must be reconstituted, insisting that public confidence in the commission’s leadership is critical.

“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 warned against conducting elections the outcome of which, in his view, could become predictable, describing such a scenario as unjust to taxpayers.

The former presidential aspirant maintained that primaries were internal affairs of political parties, provided they comply with the Electoral Act’s nomination deadlines.

“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.

Hashim also referenced historical precedents in Nigeria’s political history, warning against any action that could undermine democratic continuity after 27 years of uninterrupted civil rule.

With years of experience in Nigerian journalism, Iniobong Iwok has built a reputation for deep political insight, compelling storytelling, and consistent, fact-driven reporting.

Over the years, he has gained extensive experience reporting and writing incisive political analysis. Iniobong has interviewed key political figures across Nigeria and covered major national events, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections.

A versatile journalist, he also has strong experience in education reporting and sector analysis. His work reflects a deep commitment to good governance and public accountability.

Iniobong holds a B.Sc. in Sociology from the University of Ilorin and an M.Sc. in Sociology (Development Specialisation) from Lagos State University.

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