2027: INEC to Unveil Revised Election Timetable
By Frontline Reporters
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has indicated that it will review the Electoral Act 2026 to ensure full compliance with the law in scheduling the 2027 general elections.
Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, disclosed that the commission would publish a “revised timetable,” though he did not specify the release date.
Oketola, speaking amid calls by political parties for a fresh election calendar, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to legality.
“The recently released timetable was issued in accordance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022. The commission will review the Electoral Act 2026. After this, a revised timetable should be released,” he said.
Controversy Over Earlier Dates
INEC had earlier announced that presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on February 20, 2027, with governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls slated for March 6, 2027.
However, the timetable drew criticism from sections of the public, particularly Muslim groups, who argued that the dates overlapped with the Ramadan fasting period.
Amid the debate, the National Assembly passed the Electoral Act 2026, reducing the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days.
Clause 28 of the amended Act now mandates INEC to publish election notices “not later than 300 days before the day appointed for the holding of an election.”
Legal analysts say the amendment effectively shifts the permissible window for the 2027 elections and necessitates adjustments to party primaries, candidate submissions, and campaign timelines.
“Revised Timetable Not Optional” — Legal Experts
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, stated that INEC must align its processes with the new legal framework.
“There must be a new timetable in line with the Electoral Act 2026. That is the position of the law,” Falana said.
A senior constitutional lawyer, who requested anonymity, noted that election timetables derive their authority directly from statute.
“If the Act changes, the derivative instrument must also change. Otherwise, you create a conflict between statutory law and administrative action,” he said.
He warned that failure to recalibrate the timetable could trigger pre-election litigation.
Parties Seek Clarity for Primaries
Political parties emphasised the urgency of releasing a revised timetable to allow adequate planning for internal activities.
National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, said timely clarification was critical.
“We still have congresses at local government and state levels, as well as two national conventions. INEC should decide as quickly as possible and give parties sufficient time,” Abdullahi said.
Similarly, National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dipo Johnson, urged INEC to act swiftly.
“If elections are to come sooner than earlier projected, parties must know the pace of preparations to avoid being rushed,” Johnson stated.
A factional National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ini Ememobong, said alignment with the law was essential but expressed reservations about the commission.
“Our expectation is that INEC’s timetable must conform with the Electoral Act. However, INEC has not shown sufficient intentionality towards free and fair elections,” he said.
PFN Opposes Religious Pressure
Meanwhile, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has cautioned against altering election schedules on religious grounds.
PFN National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, argued that such adjustments could undermine Nigeria’s secular status.
“In 2023, elections held during the Lenten season without controversy. Why should 2027 be different because of Ramadan?” Bakare asked.
He stressed that elections are civic responsibilities and should not be subject to religious considerations.
“Political leaders must uphold the constitution, which guarantees Nigeria’s secular character,” he added.
Stakeholders across legal and political circles agree that INEC’s next move will be pivotal in shaping preparations for the 2027 elections, with expectations mounting for an updated and legally compliant timetable.
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