2027 Polls: Opposition, CSOs, Diaspora Raise Concerns Over INEC Timetable, E-Transmission

Reactions have continued to trail the release of the 2027 general election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with prominent Nigerians, opposition parties, civil society organisations and diaspora advocacy groups expressing mixed views over the schedule and the controversy surrounding electronic transmission of results.

INEC recently fixed February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls are slated for March 6, 2027. However, the dates have generated debate, particularly as the presidential election falls within the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan Timing Sparks Debate

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, faulted the February 20 date, arguing that conducting elections during Ramadan could hinder voter participation, especially among Muslim faithful observing fasting and increased religious activities. He urged INEC to reconsider the timetable in the interest of inclusivity and national cohesion.

Similarly, former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, appealed to the electoral body to review the dates, noting that the spiritual and physical demands of Ramadan could affect turnout and campaign activities in parts of the country.

On social media, several Nigerians echoed similar concerns, warning that the overlap could inadvertently suppress participation in some regions if not properly managed.

Political Parties Demand Credibility

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said while it is prepared for the 2027 contest, the credibility of the electoral process must be prioritised. Party officials stressed that transparent procedures and strict adherence to the Electoral Act would determine public confidence in the outcome.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) welcomed the early release of the timetable, describing it as helpful for planning and mobilisation. However, it insisted that the integrity of the polls would depend largely on the effective deployment of real-time electronic transmission of results.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), while commending INEC for providing clarity ahead of time, questioned the proposed election budget and called for greater transparency on how funds would be utilised, particularly in strengthening election technology and transmission infrastructure.

Civil Society Push for Real-Time Transmission

Beyond the timetable, civil society organisations have intensified calls for mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), describing it as essential to curbing manipulation during collation.

The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, warned that delays or ambiguities in electoral reforms could undermine public trust and complicate preparations for party primaries and voter registration. He urged closer collaboration between INEC and the National Assembly to ensure clarity in the legal framework guiding electronic transmission.

Also weighing in, the President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Bitrus Pogu, maintained that real-time transmission is critical to electoral credibility, irrespective of the chosen dates.

Senate Row Deepens Tension

Controversy heightened following reports that the National Assembly was considering amendments to the Electoral Act that could affect the mandatory use of real-time electronic transmission. Although lawmakers later clarified that e-transmission had not been removed from the law, opposition parties and advocacy groups described the development as a potential setback.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) accused elements within the legislature of resisting reforms capable of strengthening electoral transparency.

Yoruba socio-cultural organisation Afenifere also criticised what it termed hesitancy over full electronic transmission, warning that any rollback could erode public confidence ahead of 2027.

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, said the controversy reflects long-standing transparency concerns in Nigeria’s electoral process. She argued that consistent and enforceable electronic transmission is necessary to rebuild trust in the system.

Diaspora Mobilisation

Diaspora-linked advocacy groups have also entered the debate. The Obidient Movement Worldwide signalled plans to stage protests against any perceived attempt to weaken real-time result transmission, describing it as fundamental to safeguarding democratic choice.

Coordinators of the movement called on Nigerians abroad and international election observers to closely monitor developments surrounding electoral reforms.

The Road to 2027

As preparations intensify, the twin issues of Ramadan scheduling and the legal framework for electronic transmission have emerged as defining elements of the 2027 electoral conversation.

While INEC has maintained that it acted within constitutional timelines in fixing the dates, stakeholders across political, civic and diaspora communities insist that inclusivity, technological reliability and legal clarity will ultimately determine the credibility of the polls.

With less than a year to party primaries, pressure is mounting on electoral authorities and lawmakers to resolve outstanding concerns and reassure Nigerians of a transparent and credible 2027 general election.