House of Reps summons emergency sitting over INEC’s 2027 election timetable’s clash with Ramadan

The House of Representatives has announced it will reconvene for an emergency session on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to deliberate on issues arising from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recently released timetable for the 2027 General Election.

According to a statement from the House spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi, members were informed via an internal memorandum from the Speaker’s Office late Friday, underscoring the constitutional significance of the development and the urgent need for legislative engagement.

The emergency sitting, the statement noted, reflects the House’s commitment to addressing matters with profound implications for Nigeria’s democratic process. Discussions will center on legislative responses to INEC’s announcement, aligned with the National Assembly’s constitutional responsibilities.

“All legislative business relating to the matter is expected to be addressed expeditiously,” the statement read, while strongly advising members to prioritize attendance given the weight of the matter under review.

The House reiterated its dedication to fortifying Nigeria’s democratic institutions through responsive and responsible lawmaking, ensuring that all actions serve the best interests of Nigerians.

The electoral body had on Friday scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, with governorship and state assembly polls set for March 6, 2027. Party primaries are to run from May 22 to June 20, 2026.

However, the dates have sparked concerns among some Nigerians, particularly Muslims, as the elections fall within the holy month of Ramadan.

Critics warn that the physical demands of fasting could dampen voter turnout and hinder the efficiency of electoral officials and observers. Notable voices, including former Vice President and ex-PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, have urged INEC to reconsider the February date.

In response, INEC issued a statement through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, clarifying that the timetable strictly adheres to the timelines prescribed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and its own regulations. Haruna noted that election dates have been fixed under INEC guidelines since 2019.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged the concerns, stating that the Commission is conducting consultations and may seek legislative adjustments where necessary to address the issues, while ensuring any changes remain constitutionally and statutorily compliant.

“INEC reiterates its unwavering commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election. The public will be duly informed of any further developments,” Haruna added.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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