Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a prominent chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has warned the National Assembly against moving the general elections to 2026. He argues that such a change would undermine the electoral process and hinder adequate preparations by political parties, candidates, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The Assembly had proposed November 2026 as the new election date, prompting concerns among stakeholders.
Oguntoyinbo emphasized that rushing the electoral timeline would have severe negative implications, including inadequate planning and insufficient time for parties to recruit candidates and for candidates to prepare. He noted that elections are a critical aspect of national development and require careful planning and execution. “We cannot be in a perpetual election period; governance is necessary for the country’s development,” he said, urging the Assembly to consider the potential consequences of bringing the elections forward.
The NNPP chieftain’s concerns stem from the need for a well‑organized and timely electoral process. He stressed that political parties, candidates, and INEC need sufficient time and resources to prepare. Moving the elections to 2026, he warned, would place undue pressure on these stakeholders and could compromise the integrity of the process.
As the debate over the election date continues, Oguntoyinbo’s warning highlights the importance of careful consideration and planning. The National Assembly’s decision will have significant implications for Nigeria’s democratic development, making it essential to prioritize stakeholder needs and ensure a smooth, credible electoral process. The proposed date change has sparked concerns among various groups, and it remains to be seen how the Assembly will proceed with election scheduling.
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