The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has defended its timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election, explaining that it aligns with the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections.
INEC on Friday announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will be held on March 6, 2027.
However, the dates declared by the Commission were deemed “insensitive” by some Muslim faithful, including Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who cited a clash with Ramadan. Consequently, they urged the electoral body to review the election dates.
Reacting to the concerns in a statement issued by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC said: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wishes to address public concerns arising from the recently released Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, particularly regarding the dates fixed for the conduct of elections.
“The Commission recalls that 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.”
INEC clarified that its Regulations and Guidelines for the conduct of elections, made since 2019, fixed the dates elections are to be held.
It cited Paragraph 2 of the Regulation, which states: “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.”
“Accordingly, and in faithful observance of these extant legal and regulatory provisions, the Commission fixed Saturday, 20th February 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, 6th March 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections.”
The Commission acknowledged concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding the coincidence of the scheduled dates with “certain nationally recognised holidays and observances.”
INEC assured the public that it remains sensitive to all legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections.
“In view of these representations, 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 reiterated its unwavering commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 general election, adding that the public would be duly informed of any further developments.
