PHOTOS: INEC reviews timetable, fixes Jan 16 for Presidential, NASS elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election following adjustments introduced by the new Electoral Act, 2026.
In a press statement, the Commission said the changes became necessary after the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which altered statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities.
INEC announced that the Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, instead of February 20, 2027.
The Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections have also been moved to Saturday, February 6, 2027, from the earlier date of March 6, 2027.
According to the revised schedule, party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will take place between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026. Campaigns are expected to end 24 hours before Election Day, in line with the law.
The Commission advised political parties to strictly comply with the new timelines, warning that it would enforce adherence to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC also announced the rescheduling of the Osun State Governorship Election from August 8, 2026, to August 15, 2026. It noted that while some activities concerning the Ekiti and Osun Governorship Elections have already been concluded, outstanding processes will align with the Electoral Act, 2026.
The Commission stated that the revised dates are consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and reaffirmed its commitment to conducting peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.
INEC called on stakeholders to cooperate with the Commission to ensure that the 2027 General Election reflects the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.
GISTSMATE MEDIA reported that INEC has addressed concerns over its earlier released Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, particularly regarding the dates fixed for the conduct of the elections.
However, concerns have arisen from some Nigerians, especially Muslims, over the date of the general election, as they noted it falls within the holy month of Ramadan. They emphasised that the physical demands of fasting may impact voter turnout, logistical, observers and electoral officers’ efficiency.
Notable among the voices is former vice president and a former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, who urged the commission to reconsider the February 20, 2027 date, citing concerns over its overlap with the Muslim fasting period of Ramadan.
In a post via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, Atiku said the proposed date falls “squarely within the Ramadan period (February 7 – March 8, 2027), a sacred season of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.”
A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, also urged INEC to reconsider the dates.
Tagging INEC, his post on X partly read: “If the intention is to encourage full and inclusive participation in the electoral process, scheduling such a critical national exercise during Ramadan may present challenges for a large segment of the population. Many Muslims tend to reduce engagement in demanding worldly activities during this period in order to focus on religious obligations.
“Given the significant Muslim population in this country, it may be worthwhile to reconsider the timing to ensure broader participation and convenience for all citizens.
“I do hope this observation will be taken in the spirit of inclusiveness and national cohesion.”
WARNING: If You Are Not 18+, Don’t Click The Link Below 👇🫣
https://emitprocured.com/u36k6hvh?key=9d5a995551042f49ca200d04746b52ad
Did you want to monetize your website, join MONETAG and start earning
Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it.
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.
Never Miss A Single News Or Gist, Kindly Join Us On WhatsApp Channel:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vad8g81Eawdsio6INn3B
Telegram Channel:
https://t.me/gistsmateNG
