The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has responded to concerns over its timetable for the 2027 General Election, particularly the scheduling of the presidential poll during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
INEC had announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on February 20, 2027, while the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections are slated for March 6, 2027. Party primaries have been fixed for May 22 to June 20, 2026.
The February 20 date has, however, generated reactions from some Nigerians, especially Muslims, who noted that it falls within Ramadan, expected to run from February 7 to March 8, 2027. They expressed concern that fasting could affect voter turnout and the efficiency of electoral officials and observers.
Among those who raised concerns is former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, who urged the commission to reconsider the date. In a post on X, he described Ramadan as a sacred period of fasting, reflection and devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.
A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, also appealed to INEC to review the schedule, noting that many Muslims reduce engagement in demanding activities during the fasting period and that reconsideration would ensure broader participation.
Responding in a statement, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the timetable was developed in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the commission’s regulations.
He explained that the regulations stipulate that presidential and National Assembly elections must hold on the third Saturday of February in a general election year, while governorship and state Assembly elections are to be conducted two weeks later, leading to the February 20 and March 6 dates.
Haruna added that the commission has taken note of the concerns and is undertaking consultations, with the possibility of seeking legislative intervention if necessary. “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 stated.
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