Leaders of political parties have intensified calls for a fresh timetable for the 2027 general elections, insisting that a review has become unavoidable following the enactment of the new Electoral Act.

They argue that a revised schedule is crucial to give parties adequate time to conduct primaries and other internal processes ahead of the polls. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections would be held on February 20, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections were slated for March 6, 2027.

However, INEC has confirmed that it will review the Electoral Act 2026 to ensure full compliance with the law as it relates to election timelines. Mr Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the commission would soon issue a “revised timetable.”

Although he did not specify when the new timetable would be released, Oketola stressed that INEC remains committed to upholding the law.

The initial schedule sparked criticism from sections of the public, particularly Muslim groups, who said the proposed dates clashed with the holy month of Ramadan.

Amid the controversy, the National Assembly passed the Electoral Act 2026, reducing the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days. Under the revised Clause 28, INEC is required to publish notice of elections not later than 300 days before polling day, stating the election date and venues for the submission of nomination papers across the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

The amendment is widely seen as giving INEC greater flexibility to schedule the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections between late December 2026 and January 2027.

Reacting to the development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urged INEC to immediately align its timetable with the provisions of the new law to allow both the commission and political parties prepare adequately.

A factional National Publicity Secretary of the party, Ini Ememobong, said INEC must adjust its schedule in line with the amended law.

“INEC released a timetable, and now the legislature has passed a new law. It is only proper that the timetable is realigned with the law so that all stakeholders can prepare for the elections,” he said.

Ememobong also expressed the party’s lack of confidence in INEC’s ability to conduct a free and fair election, citing concerns over key provisions of the electoral framework.

“INEC has not shown enough intentionality towards ensuring a free and fair election. Our concerns are centred on Section 84 and Section 60(3),” he added.

Responding, Oketola said the commission was already addressing the issue.

“The recently released timetable was issued in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022. However, INEC will review the new Electoral Act 2026, after which a revised timetable will be released,” he said.

Legal experts have also cautioned that INEC cannot continue preparations for the 2027 elections under the Electoral Act 2022, which has now been amended to reflect new provisions introduced by the 2026 law.