Reps Summon Emergency Plenary Over Clash Between 2027 Election Dates, Ramadan, and Lent
The House of Representatives has scheduled an emergency plenary session for Tuesday to deliberate on the controversial 2027 general election timetable announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement issued on Friday night, the House Spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, confirmed that members have been recalled from recess through an internal memo from the Speaker’s office.
The emergency sitting is a direct response to the widespread outcry following INEC’s decision to fix the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and the Governorship and State Assembly polls for March 6, 2027.
The crux of the matter lies in the timing. As highlighted by Rotimi, the scheduled dates coincide with major fasting periods for both Muslims and Christians, raising fears of voter apathy and logistical nightmares.
According to the Islamic calendar (1448 AH), Ramadan is projected to commence on February 8, 2027, and run through March 10, meaning the entire election cycle would take place while millions of Muslims are fasting.
Simultaneously, the Christian Lenten season is set to begin on Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2027, continuing through March 27.
This implies that the elections would be conducted while the vast majority of the Nigerian electorate is observing solemn religious obligations.
Rotimi stated that the emergency session would enable lawmakers to review the constitutional and national implications of the timetable and take necessary legislative action to avert a crisis.
“The emergency sitting reflects the resolve of the House to respond promptly to issues with far-reaching implications for the nation’s democratic process.
“Deliberations will focus on relevant legislative matters connected to the announcement… All legislative business relating to the matter is expected to be addressed expeditiously,” the statement read.
The House leadership emphasized its commitment to “responsive and responsible lawmaking” in the best interest of Nigerians, signaling that the parliament may push for an adjustment of the dates to ensure maximum voter participation and inclusivity.
The development comes just hours after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar publicly criticized the INEC timetable, describing it as “insensitive” for scheduling elections during Ramadan.
With the House now stepping in, pressure is mounting on the electoral umpire to revisit its calendar.
