The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced consultations and legal reviews aimed at adjusting aspects of the timetable for the 2027 general elections, following concerns that parts of the schedule may clash with the Ramadan fasting period observed by Muslims.
Impeccable sources at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja told BusinessDay exclusively that the electoral body is exploring lawful options to refine its programme of activities while remaining compliant with constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act.
INEC had announced that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections would be held on February 20, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls will hold on March 6, 2027.
Joash Amupitan, Professor and INEC Chairman, disclosed the election dates during a press conference in Abuja last Friday.
Read also: FCT polls: INEC seeks EFCC, ICPC deployment to curb vote-buying
“This action is taken pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandate the Commission to publish the Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the date appointed for the election,” he said.
However, the schedule drew criticism from religious and civic stakeholders who argued that key phases of the process could coincide with Ramadan, potentially affecting voter participation and campaign activities in predominantly Muslim areas.
On Tuesday, the Senate readjusted the 360-day notice requirement prescribed in Clause 28 to ensure that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections do not fall within the period of Ramadan.
Following this, one of the credible sources involved in the consultations, who requested anonymity, told our correspondent that the commission was balancing constitutional obligations with public sensitivity.
“In every democracy, elections are fundamental, and conducting them in accordance with the law as well as the wishes of the people is equally important,” the source said.
Read also: Senate flags Ramadan clash in electoral act, reconsiders notice to INEC
“INEC initially acted in compliance with the constitution and the Electoral Act by releasing the timetable. But concerns have since been raised about its overlap with Ramadan, when many Muslims may be less inclined to engage in strenuous political activities,” he added.
He said INEC had begun engaging political parties, civil society groups and legal advisers to determine whether adjustments can be made without violating statutory timelines.
BusinessDay reports that election timetables in Nigeria are tightly regulated by the constitution and the Electoral Act, which stipulate deadlines for issuing notices, party primaries, campaigns and polling.
