By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
CONCERS OVER the timing of the 2027 General Election have drawn a response from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which says it may seek legislative intervention if adjustments become necessary.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that in a press statement issued on Friday and signed by National Commissioner/Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC said the timetable was developed in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, the Electoral Act 2022, and its Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2022.
INEC stated that its regulations, in place since 2019, clearly stipulate when general elections must be conducted.
It quoted Paragraph 2 of the Regulations as follows: “Election to the office of President and Vice President, as well as National Assembly, shall hold on the Third Saturday of February of any General Election year, while election to the Office of Governor and Deputy Governor and the State Houses of Assembly shall hold two (2) weeks thereafter.”
In line with these provisions, the Commission fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
It also emphasised that the timetable was prepared in faithful observance of extant legal and regulatory provisions.
INEC acknowledged that stakeholders have raised concerns over the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances which could affect voter turnout and overall participation.
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Commission has taken due notice of concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances,” the statement read.
INEC Chairman also assured Nigerians that it remains sensitive to legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections.
It disclosed that it is currently undertaking consultations and may, where necessary, seek appropriate legislative intervention to address the concerns raised, while ensuring that any adjustment remains consistent with constitutional and statutory requirements.
A particular concern was over the scheduling of the 2027 General Election during the holy month of Ramadan which has been acknowledged by the INEC, which says it may seek legislative intervention if necessary.
Also, under Sections 132 and 178 of the 1999 Constitution, presidential and governorship elections must be held not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of incumbent office holders.
The Electoral Act 2022 empowers the Commission to issue regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections, provided they are consistent with the law.
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that since the 2019 electoral cycle, INEC has adopted the practice of holding presidential and National Assembly elections on the third Saturday of February, followed two weeks later by governorship and state assembly polls, a structure also applied in the 2023 General Election.
Also, the Commission has reiterated its commitment to transparency, inclusivity and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election, adding that the public would be informed of any further developments.
The objection was always the work of religious detractors. The only deference to religion would be to respect any religious public holidays but this is even less problematic as elections are on a Saturday
Thanks for your readership and support. It’s shocking they always repeat this same pattern all the time. Nigeria should be more important to us all.