The Independent National Electoral Commission has confirmed ongoing consultations to address concerns over the clash between the 2027 general elections and Ramadan fasting, noting that legislative intervention may be sought if necessary, while ensuring compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
The development comes as the House of Representatives prepares to reconvene for an emergency sitting on Tuesday, February 17, to deliberate on issues arising from the election timetable.
Presidential and National Assembly Elections Scheduled Amid Concerns
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 20, 2027, with the governorship and state assembly elections set for Saturday, March 6, 2027.
The timetable was issued in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires the commission to publish notices of elections not later than 360 days before polling.
However, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other stakeholders have raised concerns, noting that February 20 falls within the Ramadan period (February 7 – March 8, 2027), which could affect voter participation.
INEC Emphasizes Legal and Regulatory Compliance
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Haruna, explained that the timetable aligns with existing regulations, which fix presidential and National Assembly elections on the third Saturday of February and governorship and state assembly elections 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,” Haruna said.
He added that INEC remains sensitive to stakeholder concerns and will ensure any adjustments preserve electoral participation while remaining constitutionally sound.
House of Representatives to Hold Emergency Sitting
The House of Representatives will reconvene for an emergency sitting on February 17, focusing on legislative issues arising from the election timetable.
According to House Spokesperson Akin Rotimi, all business relating to the election dates will be treated expeditiously, highlighting the constitutional and national importance of the matter.
“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 read, urging lawmakers to prioritise attendance.
Implications for 2027 Elections
The consultation and potential legislative intervention underline the need to balance statutory requirements with practical considerations for voters observing Ramadan.
The ongoing review could impact voter turnout, election logistics, electoral fairness, statutory compliance, religious accommodation, legislative oversight, democratic inclusivity, national participation, constitutional adherence, and election credibility.
Stakeholders await INEC’s final decision, while the emergency House session is expected to provide a legislative framework to ensure that Nigeria’s 2027 elections proceed fairly and inclusively.