INEC Chairman Haruna Defends 2027 Election Timetable

Haruna, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), addressed concerns regarding the revised timetable for the 2027 elections during a program on Channels Television. He affirmed that opposition parties are entitled to criticize the new schedule but emphasized that INEC is bound by the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Haruna suggested that opposition parties should anticipate changes and noted that the timeline may require amendments to the Electoral Act, which they argue could disadvantage them ahead of the elections. He also expressed concern over funding constraints, mentioning that the commission's 2026 budget has not yet been approved.

The fixed dates for the elections are January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, and February 6, 2027, for the governorship and state House of Assembly polls, following the amendments to the Electoral Act.