The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has initiated consultations with stakeholders following widespread concerns that the proposed dates for the 2027 general elections fall within the Muslim holy month of Ramadan .
INEC had scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, February 20, 2027, and the Governorship and State Assembly polls for Saturday, March 6, 2027. However, Ramadan is projected to begin around February 7 and end around March 10, 2027, meaning both election dates fall within the fasting period .
In a statement, INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna explained that the timetable was developed in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2022 . He noted that regulations have fixed elections on the third Saturday of February since 2019.
“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,” Haruna said .
INEC assured the public it remains sensitive to legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation. The Commission disclosed it 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 development has drawn reactions from prominent Nigerians. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar urged INEC to reconsider the dates, describing the scheduling as demonstrating “poor judgment and a troubling lack of sensitivity to the nation’s socio-religious realities” . Similarly, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) rejected the timetable, stating it “presumes that there are no Muslims in Nigeria” .
However, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) urged Nigerians to avoid reading religious meanings into every situation, describing the overlap as merely coincidental .
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has summoned members for an emergency session on Tuesday to deliberate on the election timetable and other electoral matters .
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