Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, has indicated that it will release a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
The commission said the review became necessary to ensure compliance with the new legal provisions guiding election scheduling and preparations.
Speaking in an interview, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, explained that the earlier timetable was prepared under the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act but would now be adjusted to reflect the updated law.
“The timetable earlier released by the commission was based on the existing legal framework at the time.
However, the commission will study the new Electoral Act 2026 and, after that process, a revised timetable will be issued,” he said.
Pressure mounts from parties, lawyers
Political parties and legal experts have insisted that a fresh timetable is unavoidable, noting that the new law shortened the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days.
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, said the commission must align its plans with the amended statute.
“There must be a new timetable that reflects the provisions of the new electoral law. That is what legality demands,” he stated.
Another constitutional lawyer, who requested anonymity, warned that retaining dates anchored to the repealed law could expose the commission to lawsuits.
“Election timetables are not administrative conveniences; they are derived from statutory provisions. Once the law changes, the timetable must also change to avoid legal conflicts,” he said.
Parties seek clarity for primaries
Political parties also called on INEC to act quickly, stressing that uncertainty over dates could disrupt their internal processes.
The African Democratic Congress said the commission must provide enough time for congresses, conventions and candidate selection.
“INEC needs to decide as quickly as possible so political parties can plan their activities without violating the law,” an ADC official said.
Similarly, the New Nigeria Peoples Party urged the electoral body to move fast, especially if the elections may be held earlier than previously announced.
“Political parties need clarity on the timetable so they are not forced into rushed preparations,” a party spokesperson noted.
The Peoples Democratic Party also called for full compliance with the new law, urging the commission to ensure that preparations for the election align with the amended provisions.
Debate over religious considerations
Meanwhile, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has opposed calls to adjust election dates because they may coincide with the Ramadan fasting period.
The group warned that changing civic processes based on religion could undermine Nigeria’s secular principles.
PFN National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, said elections should remain civic responsibilities rather than religious considerations.
“If election dates are repeatedly altered on religious grounds, it raises concerns about whether the country still operates as a secular state,” he said.
INEC had earlier scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, with governorship and state assembly polls set for March 6, 2027.
However, with the passage of the Electoral Act 2026 and the reduction in the statutory notice period, analysts believe the elections could now be held earlier than previously announced.
The commission is expected to consult stakeholders before unveiling the revised timetable.
