In response to growing public concern, the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is reportedly considering a legislative intervention to adjust the 2027 poll dates, which currently overlap with the holy month of Ramadan.
INEC had on Friday announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for February 20, while the governorship and state assembly polls are fixed for March 6.
The recently announced 2027 election dates were met with widespread concerns, as Muslim faithful highlighted that the holy month is a time for heightened spiritual devotion and limited worldly engagement, raising fears that the overlap could disenfranchise millions of voters and impact the overall credibility of the polls.
Following the concerns raised by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Presidential Aide Bashir Ahmad, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already issued a formal response.
In a statement on Saturday, INEC stated that the Timetable was developed 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 Guidelines and Regulations for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.
The electoral commission said Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, made since 2019, were fixed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2 of the act.
The act reads, “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 (2) weeks thereafter.”
Accordingly, and in faithful observance of these extant legal and regulatory provisions, the Commission fixed Saturday, 20th February 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, 6th March 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections.
To address the concerns, INEC said, “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.
“In view of these representations, 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,” the statement concluded.
