The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has indicated that it will review the Electoral Act 2026 and issue a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections in order to comply with the new legal framework.
The commission said the adjustment became necessary following recent amendments to the electoral law, which altered the statutory notice period for elections. While no specific date was given for the release of the revised schedule, INEC reaffirmed its commitment to operating strictly within the provisions of the law.
The controversy followed the earlier announcement of February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, and March 6, 2027, for governorship and state assembly polls. The timetable attracted criticism from some groups who argued that the dates conflicted with the Ramadan fasting period.
Subsequently, the National Assembly passed the Electoral Act 2026, reducing the mandatory election notice period from 360 days to 300 days. The amendment now allows INEC greater flexibility to conduct the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections between late December 2026 and January 2027.
Legal experts have maintained that INEC cannot lawfully proceed under the repealed 2022 Electoral Act, stressing that once a new law takes effect, it overrides previous legal frameworks. According to senior lawyers, election timetables are legal instruments derived from statute, and any inconsistency between the law and administrative actions could trigger legal challenges.
They warned that failure to realign the election calendar could lead to pre-election litigation, disrupt party preparations, and create uncertainty in the electoral process. Legal analysts noted that a revised timetable is not discretionary but mandatory under the amended law.
Political parties have also called on INEC to act swiftly, warning that delays could disrupt their internal processes, including congresses, conventions, and party primaries. Several parties stressed the need for adequate time to conduct statutory activities and urged the commission to consult stakeholders while reviewing the timetable.
Meanwhile, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria cautioned against altering election dates on religious grounds, arguing that such actions could undermine Nigeria’s constitutional status as a secular state. The group warned that repeated schedule changes driven by religious considerations could set a dangerous precedent and weaken democratic institutions.
The fellowship maintained that elections should remain civic exercises guided by constitutional provisions rather than religious observances, urging political leaders to uphold the principles of neutrality and legal consistency.
INEC has confirmed that the matter is under active review and that a revised election timetable will be released in line with the Electoral Act 2026.
