By David Lawani, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will soon publish a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections following amendments to Nigeria’s electoral law and increasing pressure from political stakeholders seeking clarity on the poll schedule.
INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, confirmed on Sunday that the commission is studying the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026 to ensure the election calendar fully complies with its provisions before releasing it to the public.
“We are committed to abiding by the laws of the land,” Oketola said, adding that the updated timetable would reflect the requirements of the new legal framework.
INEC had earlier fixed February 20, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls were slated for March 6, 2027.
However, the Electoral Act 2026 introduced key changes, including reducing the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days, prompting calls to adjust the initial timetable.
Legal practitioners and political parties say the amendment has effectively altered the legal basis of the earlier schedule. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana stressed the need to comply with the new law.
“There must be a new timetable in line with the new Electoral Act. That is the place of law,” Falana said.
The earlier dates had also drawn concern from some Muslim groups, who noted that the presidential election falls during Ramadan, raising fears it could affect voter turnout in some parts of the country.
Meanwhile, major political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the All Progressives Congress (APC), have urged INEC to release the revised timetable without delay to enable them plan primaries and other pre-election activities.
INEC said consultations with relevant stakeholders were ongoing and assured that the final timetable would align with the new law and operational realities.
