**INEC's Revised Poll Schedule: A Recipe for Electoral Manipulation?** As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable, sparking controversy among opposition parties and civil society organisations. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), a key opposition party, has rejected the new schedule, accusing INEC of plotting to help the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) secure a landslide victory. The ADC's concerns are rooted in the fact that the revised timetable seems to favour the APC, giving the ruling party an unfair advantage over its opponents. The party has specifically pointed to the new compliance requirements under the Electoral Act 2026, which it believes will exclude smaller parties from fielding candidates. For instance, the requirement for parties to submit a comprehensive digital membership register by April 2, 2026, ahead of primaries, is seen as a near-impossible hurdle that will only benefit the APC. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has lent his voice to the ADC's concerns, insisting that the revised timetable is designed to favour the APC. Another PDP stalwart, Chief Bode George, has warned INEC and the APC against any form of malpractice during the election. Not everyone, however, is opposed to the new timetable. Human rights and electoral advocacy group, Yiaga Africa, has backed INEC's decision, arguing that the electoral body has done the right thing by setting new dates for a seamless conduct of elections. The controversy surrounding the revised poll schedule has sparked a heated debate among civil society organisations, with some calling for a more transparent and credible electoral process. Others have expressed concern that the new timetable may be used to manipulate the outcome of the election. As Nigeria approaches another general election, the ADC's rejection of INEC's revised poll schedule is a timely reminder of the importance of ensuring a free and fair electoral process. Will the APC's alleged plot to secure a landslide victory succeed, or will the opposition parties and civil society organisations be able to hold them accountable? Only time will tell.