2027 Election Date Change Benefits Ruling Party – Prof. Fage

Expert Warns of Risks in Proposed Election Date Shift

In an interview, Professor Kamilu Sani Fage, a political scientist based in Kano, highlights concerns about the National Assembly’s proposal to move the 2027 elections to November 2026. According to him, the plan could create an uneven playing field, favoring the ruling party and undermining democratic fairness.

Why the Proposal Is Problematic

The proposed shift aims to extend the election timetable by six months, allowing more time for resolving electoral disputes before the swearing-in of new leaders. While the rationale seems logical at first glance, Professor Fage argues that it is fundamentally flawed. He points out that the root issue lies not in the timing but in the inefficiencies of Nigeria’s judicial system.

One major problem is the inconsistent handling of electoral cases by courts. For example, courts with similar jurisdictions often deliver conflicting verdicts, leading to unnecessary delays. Additionally, corruption within the system further complicates matters. Even if the timetable were extended beyond a year, he believes that without addressing these underlying issues, the process would still be plagued by delays.

He draws a comparison to the Sakai Republic, where strict laws ensured swift resolution of electoral disputes. In contrast, Nigeria’s current environment lacks such stringent enforcement, making it difficult to achieve timely outcomes.

Implications for the Electoral System

If the proposal is implemented, it could give the ruling party an unfair advantage. As the current administration holds power, it would have more time to leverage its resources and influence, creating an unlevel playing field for opposition parties. This imbalance could lead to a situation where the ruling party remains in office for an extended period even after losing the election, potentially committing abuses of power during this time.

Professor Fage emphasizes that the lack of a fair contest would compromise the integrity of the entire electoral process. Opposition parties would face significant disadvantages, as they would not have equal access to state resources or institutional support.

Democratic Concerns

From a broader democratic perspective, the proposal does not seem beneficial. The professor argues that the intent behind the change appears to serve the interests of politicians rather than the general public. Democracy, he states, should not be seen as exclusive to politicians but as a system that belongs to all citizens.

He stresses that politicians must act in the interest of the country and its people, not their own personal gains. If the proposal is accepted, it could have long-term negative consequences for democracy in Nigeria.

Necessary Reforms

To improve Nigeria’s electoral process, Professor Fage suggests focusing on the rule of law. He believes that if the law is enforced effectively, many other issues would resolve themselves. This includes ensuring that the judiciary is free from corruption and capable of delivering impartial judgments.

Additionally, he highlights the importance of combating corruption across all sectors of society. Without a clean judiciary and strong legal framework, any changes to the election schedule will not address the core problems.

Challenges for INEC

Professor Fage also raises concerns about the readiness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to handle elections in November 2026. He doubts that INEC will have clear rules and regulations in place by then. Without proper infrastructure and guidelines, the commission may become a mere tool for political interests rather than an independent body.

Impact on Opposition Parties

The proposed shift would likely disadvantage opposition parties. With the ruling party having more time in power, it could manipulate the system to its advantage. Historically, Nigeria has rarely seen a ruling party lose an election, with the exception of 2015. If the proposal is approved, it could reinforce this trend, further entrenching the power of the incumbent government.

Conclusion

Professor Fage concludes that the proposal reflects deeper systemic issues in Nigeria’s political and judicial systems. Until there is a commitment to the rule of law, transparency, and accountability, any changes to the election schedule will not bring about meaningful reform. Democracy requires more than just institutions; it needs a culture of fairness and justice that can sustain it over time.