…INEC would carefully study the Electoral Act 2026 and, in due course, release a harmonised timetable that reflects the provisions of the new law
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has signalled plans to review the Electoral Act 2026 to ensure full compliance with the legal framework guiding preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Mr Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the commission would issue a revised timetable after examining the provisions of the new law. Although he did not indicate when the updated schedule would be unveiled, Oketola stressed that the electoral body remained committed to operating strictly within the law.
Speaking in response to calls from political parties for a fresh election timetable, he explained that the earlier schedule had been released in accordance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022. However, he assured that the commission would align its plans with the newly enacted legislation.
INEC had previously fixed February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls were slated for March 6, 2027. The dates sparked criticism from some Muslim groups who argued they coincided with the Ramadan fasting period.
The controversy comes as the National Assembly passed the Electoral Act 2026, reducing the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days. The amendment to Clause 28 now requires INEC to publish notices of election not later than 300 days before the poll, including details on nomination submissions.
The change is expected to give INEC greater flexibility in fixing dates for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections, potentially moving them to between late December 2026 and January 2027.
Legal experts have argued that the commission cannot continue preparations under the repealed 2022 law. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, maintained that a fresh timetable is mandatory and must comply with the new statute. Another constitutional lawyer warned that retaining a schedule based on a repealed law could expose the commission to legal challenges, noting that election timetables derive their authority directly from statutory provisions.
Political parties, including the All Progressives Congress, African Democratic Congress, New Nigeria Peoples Party and Peoples Democratic Party, have urged INEC to act swiftly to avoid uncertainty. They emphasised the importance of sufficient time to conduct congresses, conventions and primaries, and called for broad stakeholder engagement in reviewing the timetable.
Meanwhile, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria opposed proposals to alter the election schedule on religious grounds. Its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, cautioned that adjusting dates to accommodate religious observances could undermine Nigeria’s secular character, urging strict adherence to constitutional timelines.
Reaffirming the commission’s position, Oketola said INEC would carefully study the Electoral Act 2026 and, in due course, release a harmonised timetable that reflects the provisions of the new law.
