The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to consult the National Assembly following growing controversy over the timetable for the 2027 general elections, amid concerns that the scheduled dates coincide with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

INEC had earlier fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls are slated for Saturday, March 6, 2027. The commission said the dates were chosen in line with constitutional provisions.

However, the announcement has sparked widespread reactions from Muslim groups and political stakeholders who argue that conducting elections during Ramadan could adversely affect voter turnout and participation, particularly in predominantly Muslim states where fasting and religious observances are rigorously observed.

Ramadan, one of the most sacred periods in Islam, is expected to begin around early February and run through early March in 2027, meaning both election dates fall within the fasting period.

Among prominent voices raising concerns is former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who urged the commission to reconsider the timetable in the interest of inclusivity and broader civic participation. He stressed that elections require maximum physical engagement and collective focus, factors he argued could be affected by the demands of fasting.

A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, also called for a review of the dates. He noted that the physical demands associated with Ramadan, including fasting from dawn to dusk and increased religious activities, could pose logistical and operational challenges for voters, election officials and security personnel deployed for the exercise.

Sources within INEC indicated that the commission is mindful of the concerns raised and is considering engaging the National Assembly to explore possible adjustments within the bounds of the law.

The development adds a new dimension to preparations for the 2027 polls, as stakeholders continue to debate the balance between constitutional timelines and socio-religious sensitivities in Nigeria’s diverse society.

Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on February 20, 2027.

The commission also fixed March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed the dates during a press conference in Abuja on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Earlier on Thursday, Amupitan told the National Assembly that the commission would require N873.78 billion to conduct the 2027 general elections. He also said INEC would need an additional N171 billion to fund its routine operations in the 2026 fiscal year.

Presenting the commission’s budget proposal before the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in Abuja, the INEC chairman described the proposed allocations as essential for election preparations and regular activities, including by-elections and off-season polls.

The proposed N873.78 billion represents a significant increase from the N313.4 billion released for the 2023 general elections.

According to INEC, the 2027 election budget will cover five major components: N379.75 billion for operations; N92.32 billion for administration; N209.21 billion for technology; N154.91 billion for capital expenditure; and N42.61 billion for miscellaneous expenses.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has said he believes he could be arrested at any moment by the Federal Government led by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

El-Rufai, now a leading figure in the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the statement during an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday.

He alleged that the ruling party was mounting pressure on politicians to either defect to the APC or remain loyal to it, claiming that dissenting voices were being targeted.

The former governor, who has recently intensified his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the APC — the party under which he served two terms as governor of Kaduna State — said several of his former associates had already been detained.

“Four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested; so it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too,” El-Rufai said.

His remarks come amid the arrest and ongoing trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, developments that have further heightened political tensions in the country.

There has been no official response from the Federal Government or the APC regarding El-Rufai’s claims as of the time of filing this report.