In a recent interview shared by Arise News, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, raised concerns over Nigeria’s tightening electoral timeline and its potential impact on political participation.
Speaking on the growing pressure within the political space, Amadi noted that the current schedule set by the Independent National Electoral Commission is becoming increasingly restrictive for political parties. According to him, the compressed timeframe may limit the ability of parties to properly organize primaries, finalize candidates, and meet other key electoral requirements.
He emphasized that the situation is particularly challenging for emerging coalitions and opposition groups attempting to reposition themselves ahead of future elections. Amadi warned that without adequate time, the democratic process could suffer setbacks, as political actors may be forced into rushed and poorly coordinated decisions.
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, he stated, “The timeline is choking; INEC should allow parties a small time and get at least close to zero.” He argued that extending the timeline, even slightly, would provide breathing space for political parties to align with legal and procedural demands.
Amadi further suggested that electoral credibility depends not only on rules but also on fairness and flexibility in implementation. He called on INEC to reconsider its schedule in the interest of inclusiveness, transparency, and a more credible democratic process.