As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rolled out its timetable of activities, positioning itself ahead of major opposition parties that remain entangled in internal disputes, party sources said on Wednesday, February 3, 2026 in Abuja.
The APC last week became the first political party to publish its full schedule of events for the 2027 electoral cycle. The timetable, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, outlines dates for key events including the National Convention scheduled for March 25–28, 2026.
Party officials said early planning aims to consolidate internal unity and give prospective candidates time to prepare for primary elections.
By contrast, several opposition parties are grappling with unresolved leadership and organisational challenges that have slowed their preparations for the elections.
Within the Labour Party (LP), a long-running leadership dispute persists. Although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently recognised Senator Esther Nenadi-Usman as acting national chairman based on a court order, factions loyal to another leadership group maintain that the conflict is unresolved.
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing multiple leadership disputes currently before the Court of Appeal. Rival factions continue to assert claims to party offices, and congresses and reconciliation efforts remain stalled, according to sources.
In the African Democratic Congress (ADC), internal disagreements have led to adjustments in party organising activities. Planned ward congresses were postponed as leaders shifted focus to setting up a policy and manifesto committee. Party officials said the move is part of structuring for the coming election cycle.
These unresolved issues within opposition platforms have slowed mobilisation efforts and raised questions about capacity to meet statutory deadlines ahead of formal election schedules.
A party source familiar with coalition talks said coordination challenges continue to complicate opposition positioning.
At the same time, ongoing defections to the APC, including sitting governors and political figures, have altered party compositions in several states. These movements have also intersected with organisational challenges in opposition ranks, contributing to variations in party operations across states.
The Independent National Electoral Commission reiterated that it would operate strictly within statutory provisions.
In a statement, Adedayo Oketola, Media Adviser to INEC National Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, said the Commission will publish the official Notice of Election in accordance with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires such publication not later than 360 days before the election date.
With formal election timelines still pending, political parties are expected to complete ward-to-national congresses and primaries within the statutory window once INEC releases the official notice of election.
