(Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim. Photo by Punch news)
Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, an energy entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, has urged President Bola Tinubu to step in and support moving the political party primary to September in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026.
In an open letter to the president, Olawepo-Hashim made the request, cautioning that the present push for early primaries could jeopardize internal party democracy and erode the legitimacy of the general elections in 2027.
The former candidate emphasized that Section 29(1) of the amended Electoral Act gives parties a wider window to hold their primaries up until mid-September in a statement released by his media office and provided to PUNCH Online on Thursday.
He maintained that following this schedule would improve the voting process’s openness, inclusivity, and equity.
Political parties’ freedom to hold their primaries is limited by the present schedule. According to the legislation, parties must be given enough time to organize legitimate and inclusive primaries, he said.
Compressing the primary election process, according to Olawepo-Hashim, might exacerbate internal party conflicts, deny candidates their right to vote, and eventually erode public trust in the political system.
Additionally, he cautioned that Nigeria’s democratic stability might be seriously jeopardized by acts that could result in a non-competitive electoral climate.
He emphasized that preserving political pluralism is still crucial to maintaining Nigeria’s democratic accomplishments, which were established through sacrifices made during the fight against military dictatorship.
The letter also requested the President to support changes that would improve election credibility, including as a review of the election Act’s controversial elements and steps to guarantee equal opportunities for all political players.
Additionally, he urged for actions to increase trust in electoral institutions, pointing out that legitimate and peaceful elections depend on public confidence in the system.
In his opinion, giving political parties enough time to hold primaries will not only ease tensions but also strengthen internal democracy and raise the caliber of candidates running for public office.
He insisted that changing the schedule to conform to the Electoral Act would show a dedication to due process and prevent needless political conflicts before the polls.
In order to maintain political stability and national unity, the former presidential candidate expressed hope that the President will take the advice into consideration.
He continued by saying that maintaining an open and inclusive primary process is still essential to holding credible elections and strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
