The Independent National Electoral Commission has responded to concerns trailing its recently released timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election, particularly the dates fixed for the conduct of the polls.
INEC had on Friday announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on February 20, 2027, while the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027.
The commission also fixed May 22 to June 20, 2026, for political parties to conduct their primaries for the nomination of candidates.
However, some Nigerians, especially Muslims, have raised concerns over the February 20 date, noting that it falls within the holy month of Ramadan. They argued that the physical demands of fasting could affect voter turnout, logistics, as well as the efficiency of observers and electoral officers.
Among those who expressed reservations is a former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, who urged the commission to reconsider the date.
In a post on his official X handle on Friday, Atiku said the proposed date falls “squarely within the Ramadan period (February 7 – March 8, 2027), a sacred season of fasting, reflection and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.”
A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, also called on INEC to review the timetable.
Tagging the commission on X, he wrote in part, “If the intention is to encourage full and inclusive participation in the electoral process, scheduling such a critical national exercise during Ramadan may present challenges for a large segment of the population. Many Muslims tend to reduce engagement in demanding worldly activities during this period to focus on religious obligations.
“Given the significant Muslim population in this country, it may be worthwhile to reconsider the timing to ensure broader participation and convenience for all citizens. I do hope this observation will be taken in the spirit of inclusiveness and national cohesion.”
Responding, INEC, in a statement issued on Friday by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the timetable was drawn up in strict compliance with the timelines contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.
Haruna said the regulations and guidelines, in effect since 2019, stipulate when elections are to be held.
Quoting Paragraph 2 of the regulation, he stated, “Election to the office of President and Vice President, as well as National Assembly, shall hold on the third Saturday of February of any general election year, while election to the office of Governor and Deputy Governor and the State Houses of Assembly shall hold two weeks thereafter.”
He added, “Accordingly, and in faithful observance of these extant legal and regulatory provisions, the Commission fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Commission has taken due notice of concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances.
“The Commission wishes to assure the public that it remains sensitive to all legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections.”
Haruna further stressed that in view of the development, “the Commission is currently undertaking consultations and may, where necessary, seek appropriate legislative intervention to address the concerns raised, while ensuring that any adjustment remains consistent with constitutional and statutory requirements.
“INEC reiterates its unwavering commitment to transparency, inclusivity and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election. The public will be duly informed of any further developments.”