The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has responded to public concerns surrounding its recently unveiled Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, particularly the dates set for the polls.
The electoral body announced on Friday that the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for February 20, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will take place on March 6, 2027.
Party primaries for the nomination of candidates have been slated to run from May 22 to June 20, 2026.
However, the February 20 date has sparked debate, especially among Muslim communities, as it coincides with the holy month of Ramadan. Critics argue that the physical demands of fasting could affect voter turnout, logistics, election observers, and the performance of electoral officials.
Among those who raised concerns is former Vice President and former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar. In a post on his official X account on Friday, Atiku urged the commission to reconsider the date.
He noted that the proposed election day falls “squarely within the Ramadan period (February 7–March 8, 2027), a sacred season of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.”
A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, also appealed to INEC to revisit the timetable. Tagging the commission in his post on X, he wrote in part: “If the intention is to encourage full and inclusive participation in the electoral process, scheduling such a critical national exercise during Ramadan may present challenges for a large segment of the population. Many Muslims tend to reduce engagement in demanding worldly activities during this period in order to focus on religious obligations.
“Given the significant Muslim population in this country, it may be worthwhile to reconsider the timing to ensure broader participation and convenience for all citizens.
“I do hope this observation will be taken in the spirit of inclusiveness and national cohesion.”
In response, INEC issued a statement on Friday through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna. He explained that the timetable was formulated in strict adherence to 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 the Conduct of Elections, 2022.
Haruna pointed out that the commission’s regulations, which have been in force since 2019, clearly stipulate when general elections should be conducted. Quoting paragraph two of the regulation, he stated, “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.”
He added, “Accordingly, and in faithful observance of these extant legal and regulatory provisions, the Commission fixed 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.
“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.”
Haruna further disclosed that the commission is engaging in consultations and may, if required, pursue legislative measures to address the issues raised, provided any changes remain within constitutional and statutory limits.
“INEC reiterates its unwavering commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election. The public will be duly informed of any further developments,” he said.
What you should know
INEC has defended its 2027 General Election timetable following concerns that the February 20 presidential election date falls within Ramadan.
Atiku Abubakar and Bashir Ahmad urged the commission to reconsider the timing to ensure wider participation. INEC, through Mohammed Haruna, stated that the dates align with constitutional provisions and long-standing regulations fixing elections for the third Saturday of February and two weeks later for governorship polls.
While acknowledging public concerns, the commission says it is consulting stakeholders and may seek legislative adjustments if necessary, while maintaining compliance with existing legal frameworks.
