2027 Elections to be Held Early as N’Assembly, INEC Propose New Dates Amid Ramadan

Nigeria’s 2027 general elections may now hold earlier than expected as lawmakers and the electoral body have agreed on fresh dates to avoid a clash with the Ramadan fast.

The new plan shifts the presidential election to January 16, 2027. Governorship elections are now proposed for January 30, 2027. This replaces the earlier schedule that placed the polls in February and March.

The decision followed high-level consultations between the leadership of the National Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission.

A senior official familiar with the talks confirmed that the February date was dropped after concerns from different groups across the country.

“After several meetings, both sides agreed that the February date is no longer tenable. The new proposal now on the table is January 16 for the presidential election and January 30 for the governorship polls,” the source said.

A ranking senator also confirmed the development but noted that it still requires formal approval by lawmakers.

“That is the working proposal. But until it is formally adopted, it remains subject to change,” the lawmaker said.

INEC had earlier fixed February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections. Governorship and State Assembly polls were scheduled for March 6, 2027.

However, the February date attracted strong reactions because it falls within the 2027 Ramadan period, expected to run from February 7 to March 8.

Several Muslim groups warned that holding elections during fasting could affect participation. Political leaders also expressed fears that voter turnout in many northern states could drop significantly.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar publicly criticised the timetable. He said elections during Ramadan could discourage Muslim voters from fully taking part.

Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad also called for a review, arguing that the spiritual nature of the period would clash with the intensity of nationwide campaigns and voting.

Over the weekend, lawmakers considered moving the election to February 13 as a compromise. Fresh talks later led to a more radical decision to bring the polls forward into January.

If adopted, January 16 will become one of the earliest presidential election dates in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly has summoned its members back from recess for an emergency session. In a notice signed by Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, senators and House members were directed to resume plenary by 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday to take what was described as “very crucial decisions.”

Although the agenda was not listed in the notice, insiders said the major issue to be discussed is the review of the 2027 election timetable.

As a result, the conference committee meeting meant to harmonise the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill was suspended.

House committee member, Sada Soli, confirmed that the harmonisation process was put on hold. Another member, Iduma Igariwey, also acknowledged the postponement.

A Senate source explained that lawmakers want to settle the politically sensitive issue of election dates before returning to other disputed sections of the amendment bill.

Recall, POLITICS NIGERIA had earlier reported growing pressure on INEC from religious and political leaders to reconsider the February 2027 election date due to Ramadan concerns.

The post 2027 Elections to be Held Early as N’Assembly, INEC Propose New Dates Amid Ramadan appeared first on Politics Nigeria.