The Independent National Electoral Commission says it has received public complaints over the timing of the 2027 general elections which fall in Ramadan, a period of fasting and prayers for Muslims, and said it may seek legislative intervention if necessary.
The commission’s National Commissioner, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, stated this on Friday.
Haruna said the commission was guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and INEC’s own Guidelines and Regulations for the Conduct of Elections, 2022 before fashioning out the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 general election.
The commission said the Regulations and Guidelines issued since 2019, set the dates for elections.
According to Haruna, “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 (2) weeks thereafter,” it said.
INEC announced 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.
The commission said it has noted public concerns on the timing of the elections, fixed in the holy month of Ramadan, adding that it is sensitive to such considerations and can adjust.
The statement stated that “notwithstanding the foregoing, the commission has taken due notice of concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances.
“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.
“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.”
INEC said it was committed to transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 general elections, promising to keep the public informed of any changes.
