INEC Addresses Concerns Over 2027 General Election Timetable, Assures Fairness

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that it will guarantee fair and equal access for all eligible voters to participate in elections.

The commission had earlier announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections would be held on February 20, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027. It also fixed May 22 to June 20, 2026, for political parties to conduct their primaries.

However, concerns have been raised by some Nigerians, especially Muslims, over the timing of the general election, which is expected to fall within the holy month of Ramadan.

They argued that the demands of fasting could affect voter turnout and slow down the activities of election officials, observers, and security personnel.

Among those who expressed concern is former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, who urged the commission to reconsider the February 20, 2027 date over fears that it would coincide with Ramadan.

Writing on his official X account on Friday, Atiku noted that the proposed date falls “right in the middle of the Ramadan period (February 7 to March 8, 2027), a special time for fasting, thinking, and spiritual practice for many Nigerian Muslims.”

Also, a former aide to late President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, appealed to INEC to review the schedule.

In a post on X in which he tagged the commission, Ahmad stated in part, “If the goal is to promote full and inclusive involvement in the election process, holding such an important national event during Ramadan could create difficulties for many people in the country.

“Many Muslims often cut back on busy daily tasks during this time so they can focus more on their religious duties.

“Because there are a lot of Muslims in this country, it might be a a good idea to think again about when something happens so that more people can take part and it’s easier for everyone. I hope this observation is understood in a way that promotes unity and brings people together.”

Responding, INEC, in a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the timetable was carefully drawn in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Conducting Elections, 2022.

Haruna explained that the guidelines, in place since 2019, clearly stipulate the timing of general elections.

Quoting paragraph two of the regulations, he said, “The elections for the offices of President and Vice President, as well as the National Assembly, will take place on the third Saturday of February in any general election year.

“The elections for the offices of Governor and Deputy Governor, as well as the State Houses of Assembly, will happen two weeks after that.”

He added, “Based on this, and following these existing laws and rules carefully, the Commission set 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.”

Despite this, the commission acknowledged concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the overlap of the election dates with nationally recognised religious observances and other events.

INEC stated that it is mindful of all legitimate concerns that could affect voter participation and the smooth conduct of the polls.

According to Haruna, “the Commission is now talking to different groups and might, if needed, ask for legal changes to deal with the issues raised, but always making sure any changes follow the laws and the constitution.”

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness, and credible conduct of the 2027 general elections, assuring Nigerians that “the public will be kept up to date on any new information that comes up.”

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