The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC says it is consulting on whether to shift the dates for the 2027 General elections after concerns were raised by some prominent figures who warn that the current 2027 election schedule clashes with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
INEC had previously fixed the Presidential and National Assembly Polls for 20 February 2027, with Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections following on the 6th of March.
However, the announcement sparked immediate arguments from political Leaders and civil society organizations who pointed out that the dates fall squarely within a period when millions of Nigerian Muslims will be fasting from dawn to sunset and won’t be in the mood for such exercise.
In a statement released midnight, INEC’s National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna explains that the dates were not chosen at random. He says the commission was following strict legal guidelines already established as he points that the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, made since 2019 fixed the dates elections are to be held as paragraph 2 of the Regulation provides that 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 and accordingly, in faithful observance of the extant legal and regulatory provisions, INEC says it 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.
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The Electoral Umpire explains that it is sensitive to all legitimate concerns regarding Electoral participation and it’s at the moment undertaking consultations, indicating it may seek Legislative intervention essentially asking the Lawmakers to address the concerns raised while ensuring that any adjustment remains consistent with Constitutional and statutory requirements.
INEC reiterates its commitment to transparency, inclusive and credible 2027 General elections saying the public will be duly informed of any further developments.
