In a press statement issued on Saturday, the Commission said it was responding to “public concerns arising from the recently released Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, particularly regarding the dates fixed for the conduct of elections.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified the basis for the dates announced for the 2027 General Election, following concerns raised by stakeholders over the timing of the polls.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, the Commission said it was responding to “public concerns arising from the recently released Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, particularly regarding the dates fixed for the conduct of elections.”
The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.
INEC stated that the timetable was developed in strict compliance with existing legal provisions.
According to the Commission, the schedule was prepared in line 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.”
The Commission explained that its Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, in place since 2019, clearly stipulate when general elections are to be held. It quoted Paragraph 2 of the Regulation as follows:
“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.”
Based on these provisions, INEC said it 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.
“Accordingly, and 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 said.
However, the Commission acknowledged concerns about the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances.
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Commission has taken due notice of concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances,” INEC stated.
It assured Nigerians that it remained responsive to legitimate concerns that could affect voter turnout and the overall conduct of the elections.
“The Commission wishes to assure the public that it remains sensitive to all legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections,” the statement added.
INEC disclosed that it was currently engaging in consultations and could seek legislative action if necessary.
“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,” it said.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to conducting credible polls in 2027.
“INEC reiterates its unwavering commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election. The public will be duly informed of any further developments,” the statement concluded.
There have been concerns over the date of the election over its coincidence with Ramadan celebrations.
Leave a Reply