Independent National Electoral Commission to unveil new timetable ahead of 2027 poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed decision to review the Electoral Act 2026 in order to comply with the law as regards schedules for the 2027 elections.
Penpushing reports that the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the commission’s Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, Mr Adedayo Oketola, made this development known, assuring that the commission would release a revised timetable.
The Media Adviser was not specific on the date for the release, however, insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was committed to abiding by the laws of the land.
Penpushing further reports that it would be recalled that the electoral commission had last Friday announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections would take place on February 20, 2027.
The Cocmission in same vein, disclosed that the governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls were scheduled for March 6, 2027, however, the timetable drew criticism from sections of the public, particularly Muslim groups, who argued that the proposed dates clashed with the holy month of Ramadan.
Penpushing also reports that the national assembly, amid the controversy, passed the Electoral Act 2026, which reduced the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days.
The revised Clause 28 states that the commission 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.”
Penpushing reports that the amendment is expected to give Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) flexibility to schedule the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections between late December 2026 and January 2027.
Meanwhile, political parties equally warned that any delay in issuing a fresh timetable would create uncertainty around their internal activities.
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