The Unbiased Nationwide Electoral Fee has indicated it might evaluation the timetable for the 2027 basic elections following considerations that the scheduled dates might coincide with the Ramadan fasting interval.
In an announcement issued on February 14, 2026, the electoral physique mentioned it had taken be aware of representations from stakeholders who raised considerations concerning the timing of the polls, notably their alignment with nationally recognised non secular observances.
INEC had earlier mounted Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the presidential and Nationwide Meeting elections, and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the governorship and state Homes of Meeting elections.
What the Fee is saying
The Fee defined that the timetable was developed in strict compliance with the 1999 Structure as amended, the Electoral Act 2022, and its 2022 Laws and Pointers for the Conduct of Elections.
In line with INEC, its rules made since 2019 present that elections to the places of work of President and Vice President, in addition to the Nationwide Meeting, shall maintain on the third Saturday of February in a basic election yr. Governorship and state meeting elections are to observe two weeks later.
- “In trustworthy observance of those extant authorized and regulatory provisions, the Fee mounted Saturday, twentieth February 2027, for the Presidential and Nationwide Meeting Elections and Saturday, sixth March 2027, for the Governorship and State Homes of Meeting Elections,” the assertion learn.
Regardless of defending the authorized foundation for the dates, INEC mentioned it stays delicate to considerations that will have an effect on voter participation and the general conduct of the elections.
- “In view of those representations, the Fee is presently endeavor consultations and will, the place obligatory, search applicable legislative intervention to handle the considerations raised, whereas guaranteeing that any adjustment stays in line with constitutional and statutory necessities,” INEC mentioned.
- “The Fee needs to guarantee the general public that it stays delicate to all official considerations that will impression electoral participation and the general conduct of elections,” it added.
Backstory
INEC had on Friday introduced presidential and Nationwide Meeting elections for February 20, 2027, with governorship and state polls on March 6, following mounted rules for the third Saturday in February.
Nevertheless, many have criticized the Fee, calling it insensitive and arguing fasting might sap bodily endurance wanted for lengthy queues, whereas some accused the Christian chairman of bias.
One of many sturdy voices in opposition to the timetable is former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
- “The Unbiased Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC) should urgently rethink the February 20, 2027 date it has introduced for the overall elections.
- “That date falls squarely throughout the Ramadan interval (February 7 – March 8, 2027), a sacred season of fasting, reflection, and non secular devotion for hundreds of thousands of Nigerian Muslims.
- “Elections usually are not mere administrative rituals; they’re nationwide workouts that demand most participation, bodily endurance, and collective focus.
- “Fixing such a essential civic train in the midst of a serious non secular observance displays poor judgment and a troubling lack of sensitivity to the nation’s socio-religious realities,” Atiku mentioned in a submit on his X deal with.
What you need to know
Earlier on Thursday, INEC had knowledgeable the Nationwide Meeting that it requires N873.78 billion to conduct the 2027 basic elections.
The company additionally demanded N171 billionto fund its operations within the 2026 fiscal yr.
The N873.78bn proposed for the 2027 elections represents a big improve from the N313.4 billion launched by the Federal Authorities for the conduct of the 2023 basic election.
