The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has moved to clarify the legal basis for the proposed 2027 General Election dates, following widespread concerns that the schedule conflicts with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
In a press statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the Commission responded to observations made by prominent Nigerians, including a former presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and a former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad.
Both had separately called on INEC to reconsider the dates, arguing that holding elections during Ramadan could disenfranchise millions of Muslim voters.
The proposed timeline sets Saturday, 20th February 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, 6th March 2027, for the Governorship and State Assembly polls. This period falls squarely within Ramadan, which is projected to run from February 7th to March 8th, 2027.
In his observation, Bashir Ahmad noted that Ramadan is a period when Muslims devote significant time to fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection. “If the intention is to encourage full and inclusive participation in the electoral process, scheduling such a critical national exercise during Ramadan may present challenges for a large segment of the population,” he stated.
Adding his voice, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the choice of dates as “poor judgment and a troubling lack of sensitivity to the nation’s socio-religious realities.” He argued that elections require maximum participation and physical endurance, questioning INEC’s competence if it could not get “a simple matter of timing right.”
Responding to the public outcry, INEC defended its decision, explaining that the dates were not arbitrarily chosen but are rooted in its extant Regulations and Guidelines.
According to Paragraph 2 of the INEC Regulation, which has been in effect since 2019, elections for President and the National Assembly are mandated to hold on the third Saturday of February in any General Election year, with Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections following two weeks later.
“Accordingly, and in faithful observance of these extant legal and regulatory provisions, the Commission fixed the said dates,” the statement signed by National Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna read.
However, despite this defence, the Commission acknowledged the legitimacy of the concerns raised. It stated that it has “taken due notice of concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances.”
Assuring the public of its sensitivity to issues of inclusion, INEC revealed it is currently undertaking consultations regarding the matter.
The Commission noted that it may, where necessary, seek “appropriate legislative intervention” to address the concerns raised, though it stressed that any adjustment must remain consistent with constitutional and statutory requirements.
The statement concludes with INEC reiterating its commitment to “transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election,” promising to keep the public informed of any further developments.
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