By Ayodele Oni
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may shift earlier scheduled dates for the conduct of next year’s general elections.
The commission has hinted about a shift in dates earlier announced as they fall within the months of Ramadan.
Aside this, voices have risen against the dates with a former presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar accusing INEC of not preparing for the general elections.
INEC clarified the rationale behind the dates fixed for the 2027 General Election, following concerns raised by stakeholders over the timing of the polls.
In a press statement issued, the Commission said the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election were developed in strict compliance with existing constitutional and legal provisions.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
INEC explained that the dates were determined in accordance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.
According to the Commission, the regulations, which have been in place since 2019, clearly stipulate when general elections are to be conducted.
“The INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, made since 2019, fixed the dates elections are to be held,” the statement read.
“Paragraph 2 of the Regulation provides: ‘Election to the office of President and Vice President, as well as National Assembly, shall hold on the Third Saturday of February of any General Election year, while election to the Office of Governor and Deputy Governor and the State Houses of Assembly shall hold two (2) weeks thereafter.’”
The Commission, however, acknowledged concerns expressed by some stakeholders regarding the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances.
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, 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,” INEC stated.
“The Commission wishes to assure the public that it remains sensitive to all legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections.”
INEC further disclosed that it is currently consulting relevant stakeholders on the matter and may seek legislative intervention if necessary.
“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,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to credible polls, the Commission pledged transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process.
“INEC reiterates its unwavering commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election. The public will be duly informed of any further developments,” the statement reads.
Former Vice-President and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar taunted the INEC of being incapable of conducting proper polls, if it cannot properly handle “something as basic as choosing a broadly acceptable date” for the 2027 general elections.
Raising concerns over the just released elections timetable, Atiku urged INEC to reconsider the February 20, 2027, and March 6, 2027 election dates given that they fall within Ramadan, a sacred season of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.
Seriously warning the Commission against mishandling such an important national assignment, Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), wrote in a post on his Facebook page, that if the issue of timing is not well handled by INEC, “what assurance do we have that it will competently deliver free, fair, and credible elections in 2027”.
The ADC stalwart further said: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must urgently reconsider the February 20, 2027 date it has announced for the general elections.
“,That date falls squarely within the Ramadan period (February 7 – March 8, 2027), a sacred season of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.
“Elections are not mere administrative rituals; they are national exercises that demand maximum participation, physical endurance, and collective focus.”
