The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has said the 2027 general elections timetable is designed in strict compliance to constitutional timelines.

The INEC made the clarification in a statement on Friday by the chairman of the commission’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, in response to criticisms that the dates it fixed for the election clashed with the 2027 Ramadan period.

The commission stated, “Regarding the dates fixed for the conduct of elections, 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 INEC Regulations and Guidelines, made since 2019, for the conduct of elections fixed the dates elections are to be held. 

Paragraph 2 of the regulation states: “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.”

However, the electoral umpire said it was in consultation with the Muslims opposing poll holding amid Ramadan.

“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,” the INEC said.

It added, “The Commission wishes to assure the public that it remains sensitive to legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections. 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.”

Members of the opposition political parties especially ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar had opposed election holding in the month of Ramadan, berating INEC for poor judgment.