INEC Sets 2027 Election Dates Amid Ramadan Concerns

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that the presidential and national assembly elections will take place on February 20, 2027, while the governorship and state assembly elections are set for March 6, 2027. INEC has scheduled party primaries from May 22 to June 20, 2026.

Concerns were raised by former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar of the People's Democratic Party regarding the election dates coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan, which runs from February 7 to March 8, 2027. He emphasized that the timing could hinder voter participation due to fasting and religious obligations.

Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, echoed these concerns, suggesting that holding elections during Ramadan could create difficulties for Muslim voters. INEC Chairman Moham Haruna stated that the commission carefully set the election dates in accordance with constitutional timelines and electoral guidelines, acknowledging the concerns while emphasizing their commitment to conducting fair and inclusive elections.