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INEC, National Assembly consider January 16, 2027 presidential poll
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Governorship elections may shift to January 30, 2027
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Ramadan concerns, operational issues drive proposed timetable change
Fresh indications suggest the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Assembly of Nigeria are weighing a proposal to move the 2027 presidential election to January 16, 2027.
The new date would replace the February 20 timeline earlier announced by INEC.
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Sources also disclosed that governorship elections may be rescheduled to January 30, 2027, instead of the previously proposed March date.
The possible adjustment comes amid ongoing consultations between the electoral commission and federal lawmakers.
Both chambers of the National Assembly recently suspended harmonisation of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill to focus on an emergency plenary session slated for Tuesday.
A senior INEC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that sustained engagements have produced a tentative understanding on the revised dates.
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“Several meetings have taken place, and both sides are comfortable with January 16 for the presidential election and January 30 for governorship polls,” the source said.
A ranking senator also acknowledged that the proposal is currently before lawmakers.
“These are the dates under discussion, but nothing becomes official until the National Assembly takes a formal decision,” the senator stated.
INEC had earlier fixed February 20, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state assembly polls were scheduled for March 6, 2027.
However, the February 20 date drew objections from some Muslim groups and political stakeholders who noted it falls within the Ramadan fasting period expected in early 2027.
What began as a technical scheduling matter has since expanded into a broader debate about inclusiveness and voter participation across religious lines.
Sources said lawmakers had initially considered February 13 as a compromise before discussions shifted toward a January window.
The emergency plenary session is expected to determine whether the proposed dates will be adopted or further reviewed.