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Controversial 2027 Election Dates: INEC Takes Fresh Decision After Heavy Backlash From Stakeholders
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The Independent National Electoral Commission has defended its choice of dates for the 2027 general elections, stating that the timetable was fixed in strict compliance with constitutional and legal provisions, while also acknowledging growing stakeholder concerns about possible clashes with major religious and national observances.
In a press statement issued on February 13, 2026, the Commission said the election schedule was derived directly from existing electoral regulations and guidelines, as well as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act 2022.
INEC explained that its Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, in force since 2019, clearly prescribe when general elections must be held.
According to the rules, presidential and National Assembly elections are to take place on the third Saturday of February in an election year, while governorship and state assembly elections are scheduled for two weeks later.
Based on these provisions, the Commission fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
The electoral body said the timetable was developed through lawful and established regulatory frameworks, stressing that the dates were not arbitrarily chosen but anchored in binding rules.
However, INEC acknowledged that concerns have been raised by stakeholders over the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognized holidays and religious observances.
The Commission said it is taking these representations seriously and remains attentive to issues that could affect voter participation and the smooth conduct of the polls.
According to the statement, consultations are currently underway, and the Commission may seek legislative intervention if adjustments become necessary.
It emphasized that any potential changes would still have to comply with constitutional and statutory requirements.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and the credible delivery of the 2027 general elections, adding that the public will be informed of any further decisions regarding the timetable.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, Senator Aliyu Wadada has promised to revive the committee’s activities after acknowledging concerns over its prolonged inactivity.
Wadada spoke on Thursday at the end of the committee’s meeting in Abuja.
Specifically, the chairman admitted that the committee had been underutilised, noting that it had met only once in the last three years.
He, however, said issues responsible for the situation had been identified during a closed-door session and would be addressed.
“Of course I feel concerned about it, but when we got into the details in a closed-door meeting, we got to know where the problems are, and they will all be taken care of. The committee will be as active as it should always be,” he said.
Commenting further, the chairman said the committee would focus on its core mandate of promoting and strengthening legislative relations between Nigeria’s National Assembly and parliamentary bodies across the world.
According to him, the committee will deepen engagement with regional and international legislative institutions, including the ECOWAS Parliament, the Pan-African Parliament, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and other parliamentary organisations.
He disclosed that a new work plan had already been developed to guide the committee’s activities.
He added: “The direction is basically around the responsibilities of the committee, which is to promote and deepen legislative relationship within Nigeria and with other legislative bodies around the world”.
The chairman added that the committee’s first major activity would be a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament in Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation.
SINL NIgeria Online reports that Senator Wadada assured that the public would be kept informed of the committee’s activities as the new work plan is implemented.
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that the minimum monthly salary of Nigerian soldiers has increased to N100,000 after the Federal Government reviewed their welfare package.
Musa made the disclosure during an interview with News Central ahead of his appearance on the NC Exclusive programme.
He said the adjustment was part of efforts by the government to improve the living conditions of military personnel.
Executive Branch
The former Chief of Defence Staff, however, said the country’s defence sector still requires more funding despite the improvement in soldiers’ earnings and welfare.
He stated that the current defence budget remains inadequate, adding that more resources are needed to effectively support the armed forces and their operations.
Musa explained that soldiers who previously earned about N49,000 monthly now receive at least N100,000 following the salary review carried out by the government.
The minister also called for tougher punishment for kidnappers, saying stronger measures are needed to reduce the increasing cases of abduction across Nigeria.
Remodelled Abuja City Gate To Be Commissioned Today, Thursday, July 9
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Senator Wadada promises to deepen legislative ties, stop inactivity
Just in: FG jerks up salaries soldiers to N100k monthly
DAY 22 of Projects Commissioning in the FCT
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