INEC fixes dates for 2027 elections; Atiku, others kick over Ramadan, logistics concerns

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the dates for the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.

INEC said the Presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on March 6, 2027.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the announcement at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

Following the announcement of the dates, however, former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Atiku Abubakar, has asked the INEC to reconsider the dates fixed for the 2027 general elections.

Reacting on social media on Friday night, Atiku said the February 20 date falls during the Ramadan fasting period and could affect Muslim voters across the country.

He wrote: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must urgently reconsider the February 20, 2027 date it has announced for the general elections. That 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.

“Elections are not mere administrative rituals; they are national exercises that demand maximum participation, physical endurance, and collective focus. Fixing such a critical civic exercise in the middle of a major religious observance reflects poor judgment and a troubling lack of sensitivity to the nation’s socio-religious realities.

“In a diverse country like Nigeria, inclusive planning is not optional, it is fundamental. Something as basic as choosing a broadly acceptable date should not be mishandled. It speaks to competence, foresight, and respect for citizens.

“If INEC struggles with getting a simple matter of timing right, Nigerians are justified in asking: what assurance do we have that it will competently deliver free, fair, and credible elections in 2027?”

Prof. Amupitan, while announcing the election dates, had added that the timetable could change depending on when the amended Electoral Act is passed by the National Assembly.

The election dates have already sparked public debate, with some Nigerians also raising concerns about religious and logistical challenges.