The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it may review the timetable for the 2027 general elections after concerns that the scheduled dates fall within the Ramadan fasting period.
In a statement issued on February 14, 2026, the Commission said it had received representations from stakeholders worried that the timing could affect voter participation, given its overlap with a major religious observance.
INEC had earlier fixed:
- February 20, 2027 – Presidential and National Assembly elections
- March 6, 2027 – Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections
The dates follow existing regulations that place presidential and National Assembly elections on the third Saturday of February in a general election year, with governorship polls holding two weeks later.
According to INEC, the timetable was developed in compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and its 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections.
“In faithful observance of these extant legal and regulatory provisions, the Commission fixed Saturday, 20th February 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, 6th March 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections,” the statement read.
Despite defending the legal basis for the dates, INEC signalled openness to adjustments.
“In view of these representations, the Commission 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,” INEC said.
The Commission added that it remains sensitive to issues that could affect electoral participation and the smooth conduct of the polls.
The timetable has drawn criticism from several political figures and civil society voices. Among the most prominent critics is former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who urged INEC to reconsider the February 20 date.
In a post on X, Atiku argued that elections require maximum participation and physical endurance, and scheduling them during Ramadan could discourage turnout among Muslim voters.
Some critics have also accused the Commission of insensitivity, while others defended the decision as a legal requirement tied to pre-existing regulations.
Separately, INEC recently informed the National Assembly that it requires N873.78 billion to conduct the 2027 general elections. The Commission also proposed N171 billion for its 2026 operational budget.
The N873.78 billion projection represents a significant increase from the N313.4 billion released by the Federal Government for the 2023 general elections.
As consultations continue, the possibility of a revised timetable now hinges on whether legal amendments or regulatory adjustments will be pursued to balance constitutional compliance with religious and civic considerations.
