By Erewunmi Peace

The National Assembly is reportedly considering adjusting the date of the 2027 presidential election after concerns arose that the original timetable clashes with the holy month of Ramadan.

Lawmakers Review Election Calendar

According to sources, the Senate and House of Representatives have convened emergency sessions to examine the electoral timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The current schedule, initially pegged for February 20, 2027, falls within Ramadan, raising logistical and participation concerns for Muslim voters.

Possible Adjustments
Lawmakers are reportedly exploring alternative dates, including earlier February dates or even mid-January 2027, to avoid overlapping with the religious period.

The move reflects efforts to ensure maximum voter turnout and avoid conflicts between religious observance and the electoral process.

Temporary Suspension of Other Legislative Work
To prioritize the review of the election timetable, some harmonisation work on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill has been temporarily suspended. This demonstrates the urgency the National Assembly places on resolving the potential Ramadan clash.

What This Means

While no final date has been officially approved, the development indicates the National Assembly’s proactive approach in addressing potential challenges to the 2027 elections.

Citizens and political stakeholders are advised to stay tuned for announcements from INEC and the National Assembly regarding the final election schedule.