|By Chinwendu Nwani
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to guarantee fair and equal access to voting for all Nigerians, despite growing concerns that the 2027 general elections will coincide with the holy month of Ramadan.
INEC had earlier fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls are scheduled for March 6, 2027. The Commission also announced that party primaries will run from May 22 to June 20, 2026.
However, the February 20 date has triggered debate, particularly among Muslim stakeholders who argue that it falls within Ramadan, projected between February 7 and March 8, 2027. Critics warn that fasting could affect voter turnout and slow down election officials and observers during the physically demanding exercise.
Among those who raised objections is former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar. Writing on his official X account on Friday, Atiku urged the Commission to reconsider the February 20 date, noting that it sits “right in the middle of the Ramadan period,” a sacred time devoted to fasting, reflection and spiritual devotion by millions of Nigerian Muslims.
Similarly, Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to late President Muhammadu Buhari, appealed to INEC to review the timetable. He argued that if inclusivity remains a core objective, scheduling a major national exercise during Ramadan could pose participation challenges for many citizens who scale down activities to focus on religious obligations.
Responding to the concerns, INEC, through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, defended the timetable, stressing that it strictly follows constitutional and legal provisions.
Haruna stated that the schedule aligns with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022. He cited Paragraph Two of the guidelines, which mandates that Presidential and National Assembly elections be held on the third Saturday of February in a general election year, while Governorship and State Assembly elections take place two weeks later.
“Based on these established legal frameworks, the Commission fixed 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,” Haruna stated.
Despite standing by its legal basis, the Commission acknowledged stakeholders’ concerns about the overlap with nationally recognized religious observances. INEC said it is currently consulting with relevant groups and may, if necessary, seek legislative adjustments to address emerging issues — provided any modification remains within constitutional boundaries.
The electoral body emphasized that it remains committed to transparency, fairness and credibility in the conduct of the 2027 general elections. It assured Nigerians that updates would be communicated promptly should any changes arise.
