The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it is consulting stakeholders and may seek legislative intervention over growing concerns that the scheduled dates for the 2027 general elections coincide with the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Friday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission acknowledged public reactions to the February 20, 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections, which fall within the Ramadan period.
INEC explained that the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 general elections were prepared in strict compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, as well as its Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.
According to the commission, its guidelines — in force since 2019 — clearly stipulate that elections into the offices of President and Vice President, as well as the National Assembly, shall hold on the third Saturday of February in a general election year, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are to be conducted two weeks later.
In line with this provision, INEC 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 elections.
Despite this, the commission said it had taken note of concerns expressed by stakeholders over the overlap with Ramadan, a sacred period of fasting and prayer for Muslims.
“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.
“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.
“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 read.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, inclusivity and the credible conduct of the 2027 general elections, assuring Nigerians that it would keep the public informed of any developments or changes.
The commission had earlier scheduled party primaries for the nomination of candidates between May 22 and June 20, 2026, ahead of the 2027 polls.
The debate over the election dates intensified after prominent political figures, including former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad, called on INEC to reconsider the February 20, 2027 date, citing concerns that the Ramadan period could affect voter participation, particularly among Muslim faithful.
