The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is considering legislative intervention to address concerns raised by some Nigerians over the 2027 election timetable.
The leadership of the House of Representatives has already summoned members for a session on Tuesday to deliberate on the election timetable.
Spokesman of the House and Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akintunde Rotimi, said yesterday that the House would deliberate on matters arising from the schedule of activities and timetable released by the commission.
The Conference Committee on Electoral Act of the two chambers of the National Assembly had earlier been scheduled for tomorrow to resolve the issue of electronic transmission of election results adopted in the amendments to the Electoral Act.
The Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for February 20 while the governorship and state assembly polls are fixed for March 6.
But moments after the timetable was made public, some Nigerians called for its review as it coincides with the Ramadan.
National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Haruna, said in a statement that INEC was mindful of the concerns raised by Nigerians about the timetable.
He explained that the timetable was developed in compliance with existing regulations and legal provisions while the commission has launched into consultation with stakeholders on the issue.
Haruna said: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wishes to address public concerns arising from the recently released timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election, particularly regarding the dates fixed for the conduct of elections.
“The Commission recalls that the timetable was developed in strict compliance with the timelines contained in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the INEC Guidelines and Regulations for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.
“The INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, made since 2019, fixed the dates elections are to be held. Paragraph 2 of the Regulation provides:
“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.”
“Accordingly, and in faithful observance of these extant legal and regulatory provisions, the Commission fixed Saturday, 20th February 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, 6th March 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections.
“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 Commission wishes to assure the public that it remains sensitive to all legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections.
“In view of these representations, the Commission 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.
“INEC reiterates its unwavering commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election. The public will be duly informed of any further developments.”
Sections 76(2), 116 (2), 132 (2) and 178 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) stipulate that elections to the advertised offices shall hold not earlier than One Hundred and Fifty (150) days and not later than Thirty (30) days before the expiration of the term of office of`the last holder of that office.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
