Dare Babalola
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has defended its decision to hold the 2027 general elections on February 20 and March 6, citing constitutional provisions.
The commission explained that the dates were chosen in strict compliance with the Constitution, Electoral Act 2022, and INEC guidelines.
In a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission said the timetable was developed in strict compliance with “the Timelines contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the INEC Guidelines and Regulations for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.”
According to INEC, the guidelines stipulate that presidential and National Assembly elections shall hold on the third Saturday of February, while gubernatorial and State Assembly elections follow two weeks later.
The commission recalled that these guidelines have been in place since 2019.
INEC quoted, “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.”
The dates of 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 were selected in faithful observance of these provisions.
However, INEC acknowledged concerns that the dates coincide with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The commission assured that it’s sensitive to legitimate concerns impacting electoral participation and overall conduct of elections.
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad had urged INEC to reconsider, noting that holding elections during Ramadan could impact voter participation.
Ahmad stated that scheduling elections during this period may present challenges for many Muslims who reduce engagement in demanding activities to focus on religious obligations.
INEC assured that it’s consulting stakeholders and may seek legislative intervention to address concerns while ensuring constitutional and statutory requirements are met.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to “transparency, inclusivity, and credible conduct of the 2027 General Election”.
The commission promised to keep the public informed of any further developments, emphasising its dedication to ensuring all Nigerians participate in the electoral process.
