๐ฅ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐: ๐๐ก๐๐ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐๐น๐๐, ๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ธ ๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ข๐ป 2027 ๐ฃ๐ผ๐น๐น ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐
Nigeriaโs Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun wide-ranging consultations with stakeholders following concerns that the proposed 2027 general election timetable may clash with the Ramadan fasting period.
The commission said it is engaging religious leaders, political parties, civil society organisations and security agencies to assess the potential impact of holding elections during a significant religious observance, especially for Muslim voters across the country.
According to INEC officials, while the election schedule was initially designed to comply with constitutional timelines and logistical planning, feedback from the public has raised questions about voter turnout, campaign activities and election-day operations if the polls coincide with Ramadan.
INEC hinted that any adjustment to the election dates may require legislative backing from the National Assembly. The electoral body noted that it could seek legal clarification or amendments should consultations indicate that shifting the timetable would enhance inclusivity and participation.
Some stakeholders have argued that fasting could affect voter mobilisation and security planning, particularly in northern states, while others believe Nigeria has previously conducted elections during religious periods without major disruptions.
The commission emphasised that no final decision has been reached, stressing that its priority remains delivering credible, peaceful and inclusive elections that reflect the will of Nigerians.
INEC added that further consultations will continue nationwide before any official announcement is made regarding a possible review of the 2027 election dates.
