Ramadan: INEC reacts to concerns over 2027 election dates

…clarifies basis for election dates

…may adjust after legislative intervention

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has responded to concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the timing of the 2027 general elections, explaining that the announced dates were fixed in accordance with existing constitutional and regulatory provisions. 

The Commission also assured Nigerians that consultations are ongoing.

In a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission said the timetable was developed in strict compliance with “the Timelines contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the INEC Guidelines and Regulations for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.” 

The commission recalled that the guidelines, in place since 2019, stipulate that “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.”

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According to INEC, the dates of 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 were selected in faithful observance of these provisions. However, the commission acknowledged concerns about the coincidence of the elections with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances, including the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

“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,” the statement said. It added that INEC is currently consulting with stakeholders 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.”

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to credible and inclusive elections, stating that it remains dedicated to “transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election,” while promising to keep the public informed of any further developments.

Earlier Tribune Online reports that following the announcement of February 20 and March 6, 2027, as the dates for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and the Governorship and State Assembly elections, respectively, a former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, urged INEC to reconsider the proposed dates for the 2027 general elections, noting that they fall within the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and may affect participation by many voters.

In a message addressed to INEC, Ahmad noted that holding elections during the fasting period could create challenges for a large segment of the population if the goal is to ensure inclusive participation. 

“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,” he said, adding that many Muslims often reduce engagement in demanding activities during the period to focus on religious obligations.