Independent National Electoral Commission has acknowledged growing public concern over the timing of the 2027 general elections, which are scheduled to take place during the holy month of Ramadan, and says it may seek legislative intervention if necessary.
In a statement released on Friday, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the commission is aware of the concerns raised by stakeholders about the possible impact of the dates on voter participation.
Ramadan is a sacred period for Muslims, marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, prayers, and other religious activities. With a large Muslim population in Nigeria, especially in the northern states, some political leaders and citizens have expressed worry that holding elections during this period may affect turnout.
INEC, however, explained that the election timetable was prepared in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and its own Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.
According to INEC, its regulations, which have been in place since 2019, clearly state that elections for the offices of President and Vice President, as well as members of the National Assembly, must hold on the third Saturday of February in a general election year.
Based on this provision, the commission fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections.
It also scheduled governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections for Saturday, March 6, 2027, which is two weeks after the first round of polls, as required by its guidelines.
The commission stressed that these dates were not chosen at random but were selected in strict compliance with the law.
“The Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election has been developed in strict compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and INEC’s Guidelines and Regulations for the Conduct of Elections, 2022,” the statement read.
INEC also announced earlier that party primaries for the nomination of candidates will hold between May 22 and June 20, 2026.
General elections in Nigeria usually take place every four years. The last general elections were held in February and March 2023, leading to the inauguration of new leaders at both federal and state levels in May 2023.
By law, elections must be conducted not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of current office holders.
This legal framework has shaped the pattern of election dates in Nigeria over the years.
Despite its legal backing, INEC admitted that concerns about the coincidence of the 2027 election dates with Ramadan are valid and deserve attention.
“The commission has taken due notice of concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances,” the statement said.
It assured Nigerians that it remains sensitive to all legitimate concerns that may affect participation and the overall conduct of the elections.
“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.
This means that if changes are to be made, they may require the involvement of the National Assembly to amend relevant laws or provide legal backing for a shift in dates.
Atiku Abubakar, a former presidential candidate, urged INEC to reconsider the February 20, 2027 date, arguing that holding elections during Ramadan could discourage many Muslim voters from fully participating.
Similarly, Bashir Ahmad also expressed concern, noting that the period of fasting and prayers might affect turnout in many parts of the country.
Nigeria is a multi-religious nation, with Islam and Christianity as the two dominant faiths. National events, including elections, often take into account religious observances to ensure maximum participation and fairness.
In the past, INEC has adjusted dates of elections or voter registration exercises due to public holidays, security concerns, or court orders.
For example, during previous election cycles, certain polls were postponed due to logistical challenges or security issues. Such decisions were usually communicated to the public with explanations.
Civil society groups have also weighed in on the debate, with some urging INEC to maintain the timetable to avoid confusion, while others argue that religious sensitivity is important in a diverse country like Nigeria.
However, others argue that Nigeria has previously held major national activities during Ramadan without major disruption, and that citizens are capable of balancing their civic duties with religious obligations.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting transparent, inclusive, and credible elections in 2027.
The commission promised to keep the public informed of any changes to the timetable.
As consultations continue, Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether the election dates remain as announced or are adjusted through legislative action.
For now, the official dates remain February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, and March 6, 2027, for governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls.
With more than a year before party primaries begin, and nearly two years before the general elections, stakeholders say there is still time for dialogue and possible adjustments.
What remains clear is that INEC faces the task of balancing strict legal requirements with public concerns, as it prepares for one of the most important democratic exercises in the country.