A former presidential candidate and energy entrepreneur Gbenga Olawepo Hashim has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the nation electoral process by supporting a shift in the timetable for political party primaries to September in line with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
He made the appeal in an open letter to the President where he warned that the current push toward early party primaries could weaken internal party democracy and reduce the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by his media office and made available to PUNCH Online on Thursday, he referenced Section 29 subsection 1 of the amended Electoral Act which he said provides a wider period for political parties to conduct their primaries up to mid September.
He argued that following this timeline would improve transparency inclusion and fairness in the electoral process across political parties.
He stated that the current timetable places pressure on parties and reduces the time available for proper preparation of credible and participatory primaries. He added that this situation could create disputes within parties reduce opportunities for aspirants and weaken public trust in the electoral system.
He also warned that any process that produces a less competitive electoral environment could pose risks to democratic ility in the country.
He recalled that Nigeria democratic progress was achieved through significant sacrifices during the struggle against military rule and said protecting political diversity remains important for sustaining those gains.
The former presidential candidate urged reforms that would strengthen electoral credibility including reviewing aspects of the Electoral Act and ensuring fairness for all political actors.
He also emphasized the need to build trust in electoral institutions as a key factor for peaceful and credible elections.
According to him allowing more time for party primaries would reduce tension strengthen internal democracy and improve the quality of candidates emerging for public office.
He expressed hope that the President would consider the recommendations in the interest of political ility national unity and democratic consolidation in Nigeria.
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