THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed it will review the Electoral Act 2026 and subsequently issue a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections to ensure compliance with the new legal framework.
News Point Nigeria reports that the development follows mounting pressure from political parties, legal experts, and civil society stakeholders who argue that the commission cannot continue preparations under a repealed statute.
Speaking in an interview with this newspaper, 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 by INEC was done in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022. The commission will review the new Electoral Act 2026. After this, a revised timetable should be released,” Oketola stated.
Although he did not provide a specific date for the release of the updated schedule, his comments signal that adjustments are imminent.
INEC had earlier announced that presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on February 20, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls were slated for March 6, 2027.
The announcement immediately drew criticism from sections of the public, particularly some Muslim groups, who argued that the dates clashed with the holy month of Ramadan.
Amid the controversy, the National Assembly passed the Electoral Act 2026, which reduced the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days.
The amended Clause 28 now requires INEC to publish election notices “not later than 300 days” before the date fixed for elections. The adjustment potentially allows the commission to schedule the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections between late December 2026 and January 2027 — earlier than originally planned.
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, was unequivocal in his position. “There must be a new timetable in line with the new electoral act. That is the place of law,” he said.
A senior constitutional lawyer based in Ilorin, who spoke anonymously due to ongoing advisory engagements, explained that election timetables derive directly from statutory provisions and cannot contradict them.
“The timetable is a derivative of the Act. If the Act changes, the derivative instrument must also change. Otherwise, you create a conflict between statutory law and administrative action — and that is the kind of inconsistency courts are quick to strike down,” he warned.
He added that failure to recalibrate the calendar could trigger pre-election litigation, potentially disrupting preparations.
“Electoral stability depends on predictability, but predictability must rest on lawful foundations. A revised timetable is not optional; it is imminent if the new law is to be faithfully implemented,” he said.
Political parties have also intensified calls for clarity, warning that uncertainty could derail their internal processes.
A senior official of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the ruling party expects INEC to act swiftly.
“We are expecting them to do that anytime soon so that they will not run foul of the new electoral law,” he stated.
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, emphasised the need for adequate notice to enable parties conduct congresses and conventions.
“For us, the most important thing is that INEC should decide as quickly as possible. We still have congresses to conduct at the local government and state levels, and two national conventions to hold,” Abdullahi said.
Similarly, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) urged the commission to move quickly, particularly if elections are brought forward.
“We need to know the pace of preparation. We must not be rushed into deadlines we are not prepared for,” the party’s spokesman, Dipo Johnson, said.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through its factional National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, insisted that the timetable must strictly align with the new law.
“What we are saying is simple: if the legislature has passed a new law, INEC must ensure that its timetable aligns with it so that everyone can prepare accordingly,” he said, while also expressing doubts about the commission’s commitment to a free and fair process.