The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has stated that it will review the Electoral Act 2026 in order to comply with the law as regards schedules for the 2027 elections.
The commission would publish a “revised timetable,” according to Mr. Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary and Media Advisor to INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan.
Oketola emphasised that INEC was dedicated to following the law, although he did not specify the release date.
He disclosed this during an interview with PUNCH while reacting to the demand of some political parties for the release of a new timetable.
Speaking to our correspondents, party leaders stated that another timetable had become inevitable in the light of the new electoral act.
They went on to say that planning primaries and other internal events in advance of the elections was crucial.
Read Also: INEC Begins Upload Of FCT Election Results On IReV Portal
Last Friday, the commission declared that the gubernatorial and state Houses of Assembly elections were set for March 6, 2027, while the presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on February 20, 2027.
Some members of the public, especially Muslim organisations, criticised the schedule, claiming that the suggested dates conflicted with the holy month of Ramadan.
The Electoral Act 2026, which shortened the required notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days, was passed by the National Assembly amid the controversy.
The revised Clause 28 states that INEC “shall, not later than 300 days before the day appointed for the holding of an election under this Act, publish a notice in each state of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory — (a) stating the date of the election; and (b) appointing the place at which nomination papers are to be delivered.”
It is anticipated that the change will provide INEC with the option to set the dates of the 2027 National Assembly and presidential elections between late December 2026 and January 2027.
However, experts believe that INEC cannot continue preparations for the 2027 elections under the 2022 Electoral Act, which has been amended to accommodate new provisions.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
