By Nkechi Eze
The Independent National Electoral Commission has defended the scheduling of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, insisting that the chosen dates strictly comply with constitutional provisions and electoral regulations, even as it acknowledged growing concerns over the overlap with the holy month of Ramadan.
In a press statement issued on February 13, 2026, and signed by National Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna, who chairs the Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission explained that the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, February 20, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls are scheduled for Saturday, March 6, 2027. According to the Commission, the dates were determined in strict accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and its established Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections.
INEC cited Paragraph 2 of its Regulations, which clearly provides that elections into the offices of President, Vice President, and members of the National Assembly must be held on the third Saturday of February in a general election year, while governorship and state assembly elections are to follow two weeks later. The Commission noted that February 20, 2027, falls exactly on the third Saturday of the month, while the March 6 date aligns precisely with the required two-week interval.
The election timetable was formally unveiled in Abuja by INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, during a press briefing that marked the official commencement of preparations for the next electoral cycle. The announcement followed earlier denials by the Commission of false or premature reports circulating about the election schedule. INEC also disclosed that preparations were already underway, including monitoring proposed amendments to the Electoral Act by the National Assembly and plans to begin continuous voter registration in April 2026.
Despite the legal justification, the Commission acknowledged widespread public concern that the elections coincide with Ramadan, which is projected to begin around February 8, 2027, and end around March 8, 2027, subject to moon sighting. This means the presidential and National Assembly elections would take place well within the fasting period, while the governorship and state assembly elections would occur close to its conclusion and near the expected Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
The timing has sparked criticism from several stakeholders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who urged the electoral body to reconsider the February 20 date in recognition of the religious significance of Ramadan. Critics argue that fasting, increased religious commitments, and associated travel and logistical challenges could affect voter turnout and electoral participation, particularly in northern Nigeria and other Muslim-majority areas.
Responding to the concerns, INEC stated that it has “taken due notice of concerns expressed by stakeholders” and emphasized that it remains “sensitive to all legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections.” The Commission further revealed that it is currently engaging in consultations with relevant stakeholders and noted that legislative intervention could be considered if adjustments become necessary, provided any changes remain within constitutional and legal limits.
Reaffirming its commitment to credible elections, the Commission stressed its “unwavering commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election,” assuring Nigerians that further updates will be communicated as consultations progress.
