…H’Reps convene emergency session
The 10th House of Representatives has summoned an emergency plenary session for Tuesday to deliberate on the 2027 general election timetable announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), amid growing concerns over its clash with major religious observances.
The decision followed INEC’s announcement fixing Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls.
In a statement issued Friday night, House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi said members were formally notified of the emergency sitting through an internal memo from the Office of the Speaker. He explained that the session would focus on the implications of the election dates and other related legislative matters.
The move also comes amid mounting pressure on the 10th National Assembly to conclude work on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, with stakeholders calling for possible adjustments to the legal framework guiding election scheduling.
INEC had earlier defended its timetable, stating that the dates were chosen in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and its Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022. The Commission noted that its guidelines prescribe the third Saturday of February in a general election year for presidential and National Assembly polls, with governorship and state assembly elections holding two weeks later.
However, the timetable has drawn criticism from political leaders, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad, who argue that the dates fall within the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and could affect voter participation.
Ramadan in 2027 is projected to begin around February 8 and end about March 10 – meaning both election dates fall within the fasting period observed by millions of Muslims. The Christian Lenten season is also expected to commence on February 10, 2027, and run through late March.
Atiku described the February 20 date as insensitive to the nation’s socio-religious realities, stressing that elections require maximum participation, physical endurance, and collective focus. He urged INEC to reconsider the timetable in the interest of inclusivity. Similarly, Ahmad said holding elections during Ramadan could pose challenges for many Muslim voters and called on the commission to reconsider the timing to ensure broader participation.
Responding to the concerns, INEC said it has taken note of the representations made by stakeholders and remains sensitive to legitimate issues that may affect electoral participation. The Commission added that consultations are ongoing, adding that it may, where necessary, seek appropriate legislative intervention to address the concerns while remaining consistent with constitutional and statutory requirements.
