- he stressed that INEC remains committed to operating strictly within the legal framework
- Another constitutional lawyer explained that once a new law takes effect, it supersedes earlier frameworks
- Meanwhile, debate has emerged over concerns that earlier proposed dates might coincide with the Ramadan period
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed plans to issue a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections following amendments introduced in the Electoral Act 2026.
Speaking on the development, the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, Mr. Adedayo Oketola, said the commission would align its election schedule with the provisions of the newly enacted law, Eko Hot Blog reports.
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Although he did not provide a specific date for the announcement, he stressed that INEC remains committed to operating strictly within the legal framework.
The move comes after INEC earlier announced February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, and March 6, 2027, for governorship and state assembly polls.
However, the National Assembly subsequently passed the Electoral Act 2026, which reduced the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days.
Under the revised Section 28 of the Act, INEC is required to publish election notices no later than 300 days before the scheduled date, including details of nomination procedures.
Legal experts argue that this amendment automatically necessitates an adjustment of the previously released timetable.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, maintained that the commission must produce a fresh schedule in line with the new legislation, noting that administrative guidelines cannot override statutory provisions.
Another constitutional lawyer explained that once a new law takes effect, it supersedes earlier frameworks, making a revised timetable legally unavoidable.
Political parties have also called for clarity, insisting that they require sufficient time to organise primaries, congresses, and conventions ahead of the polls.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) all urged INEC to act swiftly and involve stakeholders in the review process to avoid confusion and possible litigation.
Meanwhile, debate has emerged over concerns that earlier proposed dates might coincide with the Ramadan period.
While some groups suggested adjustments on religious grounds, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria cautioned against altering election schedules based on faith considerations, warning that such moves could undermine Nigeria’s secular status.
INEC, however, maintains that it is reviewing the Electoral Act 2026 and will release a harmonised timetable that complies fully with the new legal provisions.
The commission reiterated that its priority is to ensure transparency, legality, and stability as preparations for the 2027 elections progress.
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