Chidinma Iroegbu
The Independent National Electoral Commission has hinted that it may seek legislative intervention to tweak the 2027 general election timetable if ongoing stakeholder consultations confirm fears of voter disenfranchisement linked to the Ramadan fasting period.
INEC had fixed February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, with governorship and state assembly polls slated for March 6, 2027, dates anchored on constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act, which mandate elections on the third Saturday of February and two weeks thereafter.
However, the timetable has ignited criticism from political and religious leaders who argue that the elections fall squarely within Ramadan, projected to run from February 7 to March 8, 2027, potentially dampening turnout among Muslim voters.
Concerns have centred on the physical demands of voting, logistics and long queues, which critics say could pose challenges for citizens observing prolonged fasting during the holy month.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar joined the debate, describing the timing as insensitive and cautioning that national elections demand broad participation and accommodation in a religiously diverse country like Nigeria.
Responding to the growing agitation, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the commission acted strictly within the confines of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s regulations.
He stressed that the dates were not arbitrarily chosen, but flowed from binding legal frameworks that leave the commission limited discretion on election timing.
Nonetheless, Haruna disclosed that INEC was carefully reviewing submissions from stakeholders and would consider adjustments that do not violate existing laws, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity and credible polls.
Records indicate that February elections are not unprecedented, as INEC had in 2025 released a long-term electoral calendar projecting general elections from 2027 to 2063 within the February–March window.
Sources, however, say possible options on the table include shifting the polls to January, holding them after Ramadan, or moving them to April, choices that could disrupt the electoral timetable, especially litigation timelines ahead of the May 29 handover date.