INEC to Seek Legislative Review of 2027 Election Dates after Stakeholder Concerns

Pat Stevens/

The Independent National Electoral Commission has clarified that the dates announced for the 2027 General Election were fixed in strict compliance with constitutional and statutory provisions, while acknowledging stakeholder concerns over possible clashes with nationally recognised holidays.

In a press statement issued on Friday and signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission said the recently released timetable was developed in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s own Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2022.

The Commission stated that its regulations, in place since 2019, clearly stipulate when general elections must be conducted.

Quoting Paragraph 2 of the Regulations, INEC noted:
“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.”

In line with these provisions, INEC 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.

The Commission emphasised that the timetable was prepared in “faithful observance of these extant legal and regulatory provisions”.

However, it acknowledged that concerns have been raised by stakeholders over the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances, which could affect voter turnout and overall participation.

“Notwithstanding the foregoing,” the statement read, “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 assured Nigerians that it “remains sensitive to all legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections”.

In response to the representations received, the Commission disclosed that it 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”.

Under Section 132 and Section 178 of the 1999 Constitution, presidential and governorship elections must be held not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent office holders.

The Electoral Act 2022 further empowers INEC to issue regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections, provided they are consistent with the law.

Since the 2019 electoral cycle, INEC has adopted the practice of holding presidential and National Assembly elections on the third Saturday of February, followed two weeks later by governorship and state assembly polls. The same structure was applied in the 2023 General Election.

Any alteration to the established pattern may therefore require legislative adjustment to ensure compliance with constitutional timelines.

Reiterating its stance, INEC said it remains committed to “transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election”, adding that the public would be informed of any further developments.