INEC says it may seek legislative intervention on 2027 elections over Ramadan concerns as parties pledge readiness and stakeholders commend timetable release.
Following concerns raised by some stakeholders, including former Vice President and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, that the election timetable falls within the Muslim fasting period of Ramadan, the Commission stated that it was 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.”
Concerns had arisen from some Nigerians, especially Muslims, over the date of the general election, as they noted it falls within the holy month of Ramadan. They emphasised that the physical demands of fasting may impact voter turnout, logistical, observers and electoral officers’ efficiency.
In a post on his official X handle on Friday, Atiku had noted 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 added, “Elections are not mere administrative rituals; they are national exercises that demand maximum participation, physical endurance, and collective focus.
“Fixing such a critical civic exercise in the middle of a major religious observance reflects poor judgment and a troubling lack of sensitivity to the nation’s socio-religious realities.
“In a diverse country like Nigeria, inclusive planning is not optional, it is fundamental. Something as basic as choosing a broadly acceptable date should not be mishandled. It speaks to competence, foresight, and respect for citizens.
“If INEC struggles with getting a simple matter of timing right, Nigerians are justified in asking: what assurance do we have that it will competently deliver free, fair, and credible elections in 2027?”
However, INEC in a statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, 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 Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.
Haruna stated that the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, in effect since 2019, fixed the dates elections are to be held.
He quoted paragraph two of the regulation as stating: “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 said, “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.”
He stressed that, 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.
“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.”
PDP, ADC Express Readiness
Following the release of the timetable, political parties have agreed to work by the timeline and adhere strictly to the guidelines provided the electoral umpire is ready to conduct a free and fair polls.
Also, the Northern Elders’ Forum commended INEC for the timely release of the timetable, saying it was a demonstration of their willingness to conduct free and fair polls.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday said as a political party , that it was ready for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, provided the election management body is ready to conduct a free and credible election.
In an interview with THISDAY, a factional National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ini Emeombong said the release of the presidential election and the National Assembly election is one thing, but the commission must assure Nigerians that it must ensure a credible election.
According to Emeombong, ” When INEC is ready, we are ready. What matters most is for the commission to assure Nigerians that it will deliver a credible election at the end of the day. So, answer your question, if INEC says that we are ready, we in the PDP are ready.”
Also, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi said the party has no objection to the Presidential and National Assembly elections guidelines.
Also, the National Caretaker Working Committee of the PDP loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike said it has acknowledged the release of the notice of election timetable by INEC.
Factional National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, said, ”In the light of this development, the Party reassures its members, particularly those aspiring to contest elective offices that all internal party disputes and pending litigations involving the Party are being diligently pursued and are expected to be conclusively resolved well ahead of the window provided for political parties to conduct their primaries.”
NEF Commends INEC
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has said that the timely release of the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election showed INEC’s commitment to an orderly and transparent electoral process.
NEF Director of NGOs/ CSOs, Suleiman Abdul-Azeez, told THISDAY that the release of the election timetable was a critical milestone in the electoral process, marking the beginning of a countdown to one of the most consequential events in Nigerian democracy.
His words: “It establishes a clear framework for political parties, candidates, and voters alike, delineating key dates for primaries, campaigns, and the election itself.
“By providing this structure, INEC not only fosters transparency but also encourages political engagement among citizens, who are empowered to participate actively in the democratic process.
“The timely release of the timetable signals INEC’s commitment to an orderly and transparent electoral process. It allows for the establishment of a timeline that can be scrutinized by civil society organisations, media, and the electorate, ensuring that all stakeholders can hold the commission accountable for its actions leading up to the elections.”
Abdul-Azeez added that one of the most pressing expectations was the level of political engagement among the electorate, saying the timetable serves as a call to action for citizens to become informed and involved in the political process.
On his part, Legislative Expert and Public Affairs Analyst, Akinloye Oyeniyi described the release of the time table and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election as a welcome development.
However, he said, Nigerians should now have in mind that having commenced the process with the extant constitutional Electoral Act provisions, the chances of executing the said elections with the ongoing Constitution and or Electoral Act amendments is now strictly narrower if there is any at all.
Oyeniyi stated: “So, the only expectation would be some differences from the 2023 election that would be occasioned by personal reforms the Commission under Professor Amupitan would be introducing.
“Firstly, the Commission has commenced the process with Sections 78, 116, 32 and 178 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, and these are the Sections undergoing amendments to remove the determination of election timeline from the constitution to the Electoral Act.
“So, as it is, the 185 days being proposed in the Electoral Act Bill 2026 is no longer tenable but the extant 150 days.
“Secondly, political parties will have to adhere to the extant 180 days to submit the list of their candidates to the Commission instead of the 210 days being proposed in the section 29(1) of the Electoral Act Bill 2026.”
Similarly, the Communication Manager, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Ms. Ayo Agbabiaka, insisted that the electronic voting system should be guaranteed in this election and beyond.
