By Deborah Nnamdi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will consult the National Assembly over the controversy surrounding the 2027 general election timetable, following concerns that the scheduled dates coincide with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
INEC had 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 polls.
The announcement has attracted criticism from Muslim groups and political stakeholders who argue that holding elections during Ramadan could negatively affect voter turnout and participation, particularly in predominantly Muslim states.
Among those who faulted the timing is former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, who urged the Commission to reconsider the timetable in the interest of inclusivity and maximum participation. A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, also called for a review, noting that the physical demands of fasting and increased religious observances could pose logistical challenges for voters, election officials and security personnel.
Responding in a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC said the timetable was developed in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections.
The Commission explained that its regulations, in place since 2019, stipulate that presidential and National Assembly elections shall hold on the third Saturday of February in a general election year, while governorship and state assembly elections are to follow two weeks later.
“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,” the statement read.
INEC, however, acknowledged the concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the coincidence of the dates with nationally recognised religious observances.
“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,” it added.
Meanwhile, members of the House of Representatives are scheduled to hold an emergency plenary on Tuesday over the 2027 timetable.
In a statement issued on Friday night, the House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, said lawmakers were notified of the emergency sitting through an internal memo from the office of the Speaker.
According to Rotimi, the legislators will deliberate on the 2027 general election dates announced by INEC and review the constitutional and national implications of the timetable with a view to taking necessary legislative action.
“The emergency sitting reflects the resolve of the House to respond promptly to issues with far-reaching implications for the nation’s democratic process,” the statement read.
He added that deliberations would focus on relevant legislative matters connected to the announcement, in line with the constitutional responsibilities of the National Assembly.
