Parties Demand Fresh 2027 Poll Timetable After New Electoral Act
Parties Seek Realignment of 2027 Election Schedule
LEADERS of political parties have intensified calls for a new timetable for the 2027 general elections, arguing that recent amendments to the electoral law make a review unavoidable.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier fixed 20 February 2027 for the presidential and National Assembly elections, with governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls scheduled for 6 March 2027.
However, stakeholders say the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026 has altered key timelines, making a revised schedule necessary to ensure compliance and allow adequate preparation.
INEC Confirms Review
INEC has acknowledged the development, confirming that it will review the new law and issue a revised timetable.
Mr. Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the commission remains committed to upholding the law.
“The recently released timetable was issued in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022. However, INEC will review the new Electoral Act 2026, after which a revised timetable will be released,” he said.
Although no specific date has been given for the release of the updated schedule, Oketola assured stakeholders that the commission is already addressing the matter.
Amendment Reduces Notice Period
The controversy over the timetable intensified after the National Assembly passed the Electoral Act 2026, which reduces the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days.
Under the revised Clause 28, INEC is required to publish notice of elections not later than 300 days before polling day, specifying election dates and venues for submission of nomination papers nationwide.
The amendment is widely seen as giving INEC greater flexibility to conduct the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections between late December 2026 and January 2027.
The initial schedule had also drawn criticism from Muslim groups, who argued that the February dates clashed with the holy month of Ramadan.
PDP Raises Concerns
Reacting to the development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urged INEC to immediately align its timetable with the new law.
The party’s factional National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the schedule must reflect the amended legislation.
“It is only proper that the timetable is realigned with the law so that all stakeholders can prepare adequately,” he said.
Ememobong also questioned INEC’s readiness to deliver a free and fair election, citing concerns over Sections 84 and 60(3) of the electoral framework.
Legal experts have similarly warned that preparations cannot continue under the amended 2022 Act without adjustments to reflect the new 2026 provisions.
