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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated its commitment to guaranteeing that all individuals have fair and equal voting access.

Remember that INEC disclosed on Friday that the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for February 20, 2027, while the governorship and state assembly elections will occur on March 6, 2027.

Additionally, the commission established the timeframe for party primaries—scheduled from May 22 to June 20, 2026—for selecting candidates for the nomination.

However, a number of Nigerians—especially Muslims—have expressed worries about the general election date, as they think it falls within the sacred month of Ramadan.

The physical challenges of fasting could impact voter turnout and may also hinder the work of election monitors and officials, they noted.

A significant voice is that of Atiku Abubakar, who was a presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party.

He requested that the commission reconsider the date of February 20, 2027, as he was concerned it might coincide with the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Atiku stated on Friday via his official X account that the proposed 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, a former close associate of the late president Muhammadu Buhari, also urged INEC to reconsider 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.”

INEC, however, stated through a statement by Mohammed Haruna, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, that the schedule was developed with care based on the timeframes specified 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 stated that the dates for elections to be held are established by the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for conducting elections, which have been in effect since 2019.

He referenced the second paragraph of the regulation, which states: “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.”

The Commission stated that it has recognized the concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding the proposed dates coinciding with certain nationally acknowledged holidays and events, despite taking the aforementioned points into account.

The Commission stated its intention to inform the public of its awareness of all legitimate concerns that might influence voting behavior and the overall conduct of elections.

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 stated that it would keep stressing its deep commitment to openness and fairness, and to ensuring the 2027 General Election is carried out with integrity and dependability.

“The public will be kept up to date on any new information that comes up,” the statement added.

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