The Adewole Adebayo‑Bugaje Presidential Campaign Council announced on Wednesday that it will pursue legal avenues and organise nationwide protests if any party tries to force the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to shift the scheduled Jan 16, 2027 presidential election. The statement, delivered in Abuja, underscored the council’s commitment to safeguarding the constitutional election calendar.
Key points highlighted by the council include:
- The election date of 16 January 2027 is deemed non‑negotiable.
- Any effort to alter the timetable, even under the pretext of public‑health emergencies, would be considered an assault on democratic rights.
- Campaign chief media adviser Comrade Mark Adebayo accused the Tinubu administration of plotting to summon INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan to the Presidential Villa for timetable changes.
- He warned that the administration’s “unprecedented unpopularity” could drive it to employ “rigging cards” to manipulate the vote.
- Adebayo dismissed the reported Ebola outbreak as a potential political tool, pledging to counter any delay through “all legal means, including mass actions.”
What does the council demand?
The council called on INEC to remain impartial and reject any alleged pressure from the Presidency. It insisted that the election timetable must stay intact, regardless of health concerns or political maneuvering.
Who are the candidates?
The campaign reaffirmed that its presidential nominee, Prince Adewole Adebayo, together with running mate Dr. Usman Bugaje, are fully prepared to contest the poll. Both urged Nigerians to stay vigilant and not be swayed by intimidation tactics.
What was the quoted reaction?
“We strongly condemn any covert or overt attempts to pressure INEC into altering the sacrosanct January 16, 2027 election timetable,” Mark Adebayo told Vanguard. He added, “Nigerians are no fools, and any attempt to treat us that way stands to be stoutly resisted by the mass of Nigerians.”
The council’s warning comes amid speculation that the current government may seek to postpone the vote, citing health crises such as the Ebola outbreak. By threatening both courtroom battles and street demonstrations, the campaign signals its readiness to defend the electoral schedule and the electorate’s right to choose.
What are the next steps?
The council indicated it will monitor any official communications from the Presidency or INEC closely. Should any formal request to amend the timetable emerge, the campaign vows to file injunctions and mobilise supporters across the country to demonstrate against the move.