On 8 January, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the time table for the 2019 elections, which now sets the stage for what is likely to be a tight political contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

• Notice for elections will be issued on 17 August, while party primaries — including the period for resolving any disputes arising from party primaries — has been fixed for the period 18 August – 7 October.
• Parties are required to issue forms for all political positions to INEC between 17  24 August, while the starting date for campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections is fixed for 18 November, and 1 December for gubernatorial and House of Assembly campaigning.
• Parties will be required to submit their nomination forms to INEC on 3 December for their presidential and National Assembly candidates and 17 December for gubernatorial and House of Assembly candidates.
• The presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on 16 February, 2019, and governorship and House of Assembly elections will be held on 2 March, 2019.
• INEC also announced the registration of 21 more political parties, bringing the total number of parties in the country to 67.

The INEC announcement effectively marks the beginning of the campaign season. While the number of parties has increased considerably, the 2019 elections will be polarised between the APC and the PDP, both of which have not yet officially chosen their flag bearers for the 2019 elections. The leading candidates remain incumbent APC President Muhammadu Buhari and potential challenger, former vice president Atiku Abubakar (1999-2007) for the PDP.

However, there are talks of a possible third force emerging even though it is not clear who would lead the movement. According to political sources, meetings have been taking place in Abuja to consider the possibility of bringing together other minority parties to offer voters a third credible option on the ballot… [article continues]

This segment is taken from Nigeria Politics & Security. If you wish learn more about this topic, the country or discuss the paper with us, contact our Africa team.