…Reps hold emergency session Tuesday
Isaac Samuel
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will consult the National Assembly over the controversy trailing the 2027 general election timetable, following widespread concerns that the scheduled dates fall within the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
INEC had fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls.
The announcement has drawn criticism from Muslim groups and political actors who argue that conducting elections during Ramadan could affect voter turnout and participation, particularly in predominantly Muslim states.
Among those who faulted the timing is former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, who urged the Commission to reconsider the timetable in the interest of inclusivity and maximum participation.
A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, also called for a review, noting that the physical demands of fasting and heightened religious observances could pose logistical challenges for voters, election officials and security personnel.
Responding in a statement issued by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC said the timetable was developed in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections.
The Commission explained that its regulations, in place since 2019, stipulate that presidential and National Assembly elections shall hold on the third Saturday of February in a general election year, while governorship and state assembly elections shall follow two weeks later.
“Accordingly, and in faithful observance of these extant legal and regulatory provisions, the Commission fixed Saturday, 20th February 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, 6th March 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections,” the statement read.
INEC however, acknowledged the concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding the coincidence of the dates with nationally recognised religious observances.
“In view of these representations, the Commission is currently undertaking consultations and may, where necessary, seek appropriate legislative intervention to address the concerns raised, while ensuring that any adjustment remains consistent with constitutional and statutory requirements,” it added.
Meanwhile, the members of the house of representatives are scheduled to hold an emergency plenary on Tuesday over the 2027 timetable.
In a statement issued on Friday night, Akin Rotimi, the house’s spokesperson, said members were notified of the emergency sitting through an internal memo from the office of the speaker.
Rotimi said the legislators will discuss the 2027 general election dates announced by INEC.
Rotimi said the emergency session will enable lawmakers to review the constitutional and national implications of the election timetable and take necessary legislative action.
“The emergency sitting reflects the resolve of the House to respond promptly to issues with far-reaching implications for the nation’s democratic process,” the statement reads.
“Deliberations will focus on relevant legislative matters connected to the announcement, in line with the constitutional responsibilities of the National Assembly”, he added.
