Nigeria’s 2027 general elections may now hold earlier than expected as lawmakers and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have agreed on new dates to avoid a clash with the Ramadan fast.
Under the new plan, the presidential election is proposed for January 16, 2027, while governorship elections are scheduled for January 30, 2027. This replaces the earlier timetable that placed the polls in February and March.
The decision followed high-level consultations between the leadership of the National Assembly of Nigeria and INEC.
A senior official familiar with the discussions said the February date was dropped after concerns were raised by 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 explained that the proposal still needs formal approval.
“That is the working proposal. But until it is formally adopted, it remains subject to change,” the lawmaker said.
Earlier, INEC had fixed February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and State Assembly polls were scheduled for March 6, 2027.
However, the February date generated strong reactions because it falls within the 2027 Ramadan period, which is 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 concerns that voter turnout in many northern states could drop significantly.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised the timetable, saying elections during Ramadan could discourage Muslim voters from fully participating.
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. Further discussions later led to the decision to bring the polls forward to January.
If approved, January 16 will become one of the earliest presidential election dates in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly has recalled its members from recess for an emergency session. In a notice signed by the 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 notice did not list the agenda, sources said the main 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 said lawmakers want to resolve the sensitive issue of election dates before returning to other disputed sections of the amendment bill.
Recall that VerilyNews had earlier reported increasing pressure on INEC from religious and political leaders to reconsider the February 2027 election date due to Ramadan concerns.
