Nigeria moves 2027 presidential election date because of Ramadan concerns

ABUJA

The date of the 2027 presidential election in Nigeria has been changed due to the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, authorities announced Friday.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said the election, originally scheduled for Feb. 20, 2027, has been moved forward because it coincides with Ramadan.

The commission announced that the presidential election in Africa’s most populous country will now be held Jan. 16, 2027, while state governor elections are set for Feb. 6.

The INEC previously declared that the presidential vote would be conducted Feb. 20 and gubernatorial elections March 6.

But the timing drew criticism after it became clear that the election dates would overlap with Ramadan.

The electoral body did not provide details beyond confirming that the schedule was revised in response to concerns about the religious observance.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Demir