**Election Time Looms: APC, Few Parties Ready, Many Stuck in a Quagmire** The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the timetable for the 2027 general elections, but it appears that not all is well in the camp of Nigeria's registered political parties. As the deadline for the submission of candidates' lists draws near, many parties are scrambling to meet the requirements, while a few seem to be better prepared than others. The All Progressives Congress (APC) and four other parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, Action Alliance, and Social Democratic Party (SDP), appear to be ahead of the game. They have already begun the process of selecting their candidates, and it's likely that they will be able to meet the deadline. However, a whopping 16 parties are in a precarious situation, with their candidate lists yet to be finalized. These 16 parties are facing a daunting task, trying to put their houses in order and meet the requirements set by INEC. The commission's strict guidelines and the tight timeline are adding to their woes. For instance, parties are required to submit a list of candidates for each position, along with their nominators and seconders. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the party being disqualified from participating in the elections. The situation presents an opportunity for the parties to re-strategize and refocus their efforts. It's a wake-up call for them to assess their strengths and weaknesses, and to prioritize their chances of success. However, the clock is ticking, and the window of opportunity is rapidly closing. The parties must act swiftly and decisively to avoid missing out on the opportunity to participate in the 2027 general elections. In the end, the electoral battle is far from over. The stage is set for a thrilling contest, with the APC and PDP likely to be major contenders. But the 16 parties in crisis mode will have to fight tooth and nail to stay in the game. As Nigerians, we can only watch and wait to see how this drama unfolds. Will the underdogs manage to pull off a stunning upset, or will the established parties maintain their grip on power? Only time will tell.