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By Tracy Moses
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it may seek legislative intervention to address concerns over the scheduled dates for the 2027 General Election, following widespread reactions about a possible clash with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
INEC had earlier announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls are scheduled for March 6, 2027. The commission also fixed party primaries between May 22 and June 20, 2026.
However, some stakeholders, particularly within the Muslim community, expressed reservations over the February 20 date, noting that it falls within Ramadan, a period marked by fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion. They argued that the physical demands of fasting could affect voter turnout, as well as the efficiency of electoral officials, observers, and security personnel.
Among those who raised concerns is former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, who urged the commission to reconsider the date.
In a post on his official X handle, Atiku stated that the proposed date 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.”
He stressed that conducting elections during such a period could pose challenges to full participation and called for sensitivity to the religious observance of a significant segment of the population. Similarly, a former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, also appealed to the commission to reconsider the timing.
“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,” Ahmad wrote, adding that many Muslims reduce engagement in demanding activities during the fasting period to focus on religious obligations.
Responding to the concerns, INEC, in a statement issued by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, explained that the timetable was developed in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.
Haruna noted that the regulations, in effect since 2019, clearly stipulate that elections to the offices of President and Vice President, as well as the National Assembly, shall hold on the third Saturday of February in a general election year, while governorship and state assembly elections shall take place two weeks thereafter.
“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,” he said.
He, however, acknowledged the concerns raised by stakeholders. “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,” Haruna stated.
He added that the commission remains sensitive to all legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections.
“In view of the developments, 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,” he said.
INEC reiterated its commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election, assuring Nigerians that the public would be duly informed of any further developments regarding the election timetable.