Politics
2027: INEC reacts as Atiku, others kick against general election dates
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says it will ensure that everyone has fair and equal access to vote.
Recall that INEC announced on Friday that the Presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on February 20, 2027, and the governorship and state assembly elections will be held on March 6, 2027.
The commission also set the dates for party primaries from May 22 to June 20, 2026, to choose candidates for the nomination.
But some Nigerians, particularly Muslims, have raised concerns about the date of the general election because they believe it takes place during the holy month of Ramadan.
They said that the physical challenges of fasting could affect how many people vote, and might also slow down the work of people watching the elections and those in charge of running them.
One important voice comes from a former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar.
He asked the commission to think again about the February 20, 2027 date, because he was worried it would clash with the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
On Friday, through his official X account, Atiku mentioned that the suggested date is “right in the middle of the Ramadan period (February 7 to March 8, 2027), a special time for fasting, thinking, and spiritual practice for many Nigerian Muslims.”
Bashir Ahmad, who used to work closely with late former president Muhammadu Buhari, also asked INEC to think again about the dates.
He tagged INEC on his X post, which partly said: “If the goal is to promote full and inclusive involvement in the election process, holding such an important national event during Ramadan could create difficulties for many people in the country.
“Many Muslims often cut back on busy daily tasks during this time so they can focus more on their religious duties. Because there are a lot of Muslims in this country, it might be a good idea to think again about when something happens so that more people can take part and it’s easier for everyone. I hope this observation is understood in a way that promotes unity and brings people together.”
However, INEC, through a statement from the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the schedule was created carefully following the timeframes set out in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Conducting Elections, 2022.
Haruna said that the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for conducting elections, which have been in place since 2019, set the dates when elections are to be held.
He quoted paragraph two of the regulation, which says: “The elections for the offices of President and Vice President, as well as the National Assembly, will take place on the third Saturday of February in any general election year. The elections for the offices of Governor and Deputy Governor, as well as the State Houses of Assembly, will happen two weeks after that.”
He added, “Based on this, and following these existing laws and rules carefully, the Commission set 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.”
Even though the above points are considered, the Commission said it has acknowledged the worries raised by stakeholders about the planned dates overlapping with some nationally recognized holidays and events.
The Commission said it wants to let the public know that it is aware of all valid worries that could affect how people vote and how elections are run in general.
He said that because of these changes, “the Commission is now talking to different groups and might, if needed, ask for legal changes to deal with the issues raised, but always making sure any changes follow the laws and the constitution.”
INEC said it would continue to emphasize its strong dedication to being open, fair, and ensuring the 2027 General Election is conducted honestly and reliably.
“The public will be kept up to date on any new information that comes up,” the statement added.
