- INEC Assures Nigerians of Review Over 2027 Election Dates During Ramadan
- INEC May Seek Legislative Backing Over Election Timetable Concerns
- Atiku, Others Raise Alarm as 2027 Elections Fall Within Ramadan
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that it will address concerns surrounding the scheduled dates for the 2027 general elections, which coincide with the Ramadan fasting period.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad had separately expressed reservations on social media, noting that the election dates fall within Ramadan, a period of fasting, reflection and spiritual devotion for Muslims.
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INEC had earlier announced that presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on February 20, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027.
According to Atiku, Ramadan in 2027 is expected to run from February 7 to March 8. He and other stakeholders argued that holding elections during this period could pose participation challenges for many Muslim voters who may reduce strenuous activities to focus on religious obligations.
Responding to the concerns, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, explained that the timetable was prepared in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Commission’s 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections.
Haruna noted that since 2019, INEC’s regulations have fixed general elections for the third Saturday in February for presidential and National Assembly polls, with governorship and state assembly elections holding two weeks later. He said the February 20 and March 6, 2027 dates were selected in line with these legal provisions.
However, he acknowledged the concerns raised by stakeholders and assured the public that the commission remains sensitive to issues that may affect voter participation and the overall conduct of elections.
Haruna disclosed that INEC is currently consulting relevant stakeholders and may, if necessary, seek legislative intervention to address the matter, while ensuring that any adjustments comply with constitutional and statutory requirements.
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