The release of the 2027 general election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was expected to be greeted with applause across the country. Traditionally, early publication of an election calendar offers political parties and aspirants ample time to organise, strategise and mobilise supporters ahead of the polls.
However, what should have marked the formal commencement of preparations has instead ignited criticism from actors in both political and non-political sectors.
At the heart of the controversy is the timing of the elections, which coincides with the Ramadan fasting period observed by Muslims. Some stakeholders have expressed concerns that holding elections during Ramadan could affect voter turnout and participation, particularly in predominantly Muslim communities. A few critics have gone further to allege that the electoral umpire may be attempting to sideline certain groups from the process.
INEC, however, is operating within clear constitutional and statutory boundaries. Under the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act, the commission is mandated to publish the timetable and schedule of activities not later than 360 days before the general elections.
The early release, therefore, aligns with its legal obligations and established guidelines governing the conduct of elections.
What many critics appear to have overlooked is that the timetable did not emerge in isolation.
Long before the inauguration of the Prof. Joash Amupitan-led commission, INEC had developed a prototype election calendar to guide its long-term planning. In 2025, the commission unveiled a comprehensive electoral calendar spanning 10 election cycles — from the 2027 general election through to 2063.
The long-range calendar was designed to provide predictability, stability and institutional memory to Nigeria’s electoral process. By mapping out key dates decades in advance, INEC aimed to reduce uncertainty, improve logistical planning and align Nigeria’s election cycle with constitutional timelines.
Observers note that Ramadan has coincided with elections in various parts of the world without necessarily disenfranchising voters, provided adequate arrangements are made. They argue that rather than framing the issue as an exclusionary tactic, stakeholders should engage constructively with INEC to explore practical solutions — such as voter education, adjusted polling hours or enhanced logistics — to ensure broad participation.
As political parties begin internal preparations and coalition talks ahead of 2027, the debate over timing underscores a broader reality: in a diverse country like Nigeria, electoral planning must balance legal compliance, religious sensitivities and operational realities.
For now, the timetable stands — and with it, the clock toward 2027 has officially begun ticking.
