INEC Defends 2027 Poll Dates Amid Ramadan Clash Concerns, Hints At Possible Changes

‘Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja

DAILY COURIER— The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly defended its choice of dates for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections but acknowledged widespread stakeholder concerns that the scheduled polls coincide with the holy month of Ramadan, potentially affecting voter participation, particularly among Muslim communities.

In a press statement issued on February 13, 2026, and signed by National Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC explained that the dates: Saturday, February 20, 2027, for Presidential and National Assembly elections, and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections — were set in strict adherence to legal frameworks.

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The Commission emphasized compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and its own Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections (established since 2019). Specifically, Paragraph 2 of the Regulations states:

“Election to the office of President and Vice President, as well as National Assembly, shall hold on the Third Saturday of February of any General Election year, while election to the Office of Governor and Deputy Governor and the State Houses of Assembly shall hold two (2) weeks thereafter.”

February 20, 2027, falls on the third Saturday of the month, aligning precisely with this provision, followed by the state-level elections exactly two weeks later.

The timetable was officially unveiled on February 13, 2026, by INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan during a press conference in Abuja. This came after earlier refutations by the Commission of premature or false reports claiming a timetable had already been released. Preparations for the 2027 polls have been ongoing, including monitoring proposed amendments to the Electoral Act by the National Assembly and the start of continuous voter registration slated for April 2026.

Public reaction to the announcement has centered on the timing’s overlap with Ramadan, which is projected to begin around February 8, 2027 (tentative, based on moon sighting), and end around March 8, 2027. The February 20 presidential and National Assembly polls would thus occur well into the fasting period, while the March 6 governorship and state assembly elections fall near its conclusion, potentially close to Eid al-Fitr (tentative around March 10, 2027).

Critics, including prominent figures and social media users, have described the dates as potentially discriminatory toward Muslim voters, arguing that fasting, increased spiritual obligations, and related observances could hinder turnout, mobility, and electoral logistics in northern states and Muslim-majority areas. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar publicly urged INEC to reconsider the February 20 date, highlighting the sacred nature of Ramadan for millions of Nigerians.

Other observances in the period include Valentine’s Day (February 14), International Women’s Day (March 8), and various Christian events later in March (such as Easter in late March 2027), though the primary controversy revolves around Ramadan.

INEC stated it has “taken due notice of concerns expressed by stakeholders” and remains “sensitive to all legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections.” The Commission assured Nigerians of its commitment to transparency and inclusivity, revealing that it is currently engaged in consultations. If needed, INEC may pursue legislative intervention to adjust the dates, provided any changes stay within constitutional and statutory bounds.

The statement reiterated INEC’s “unwavering commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election,” with promises of updates on developments.

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Key milestones in the timetable include party primaries from July to September 2026, presidential and National Assembly campaigns from November 18, 2026, to February 19, 2027, and governorship/state assembly campaigns from December 15, 2026, to March 5, 2027.

As preparations intensify for what will be Nigeria’s eighth general elections since the return to democracy in 1999, the debate over the dates underscores ongoing challenges in balancing legal rigidity with cultural and religious sensitivities in Africa’s most populous nation.