2027: Lalong debunks Ramadan clash claim, backs INEC

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters, Simon Bako Lalong, on Tuesday dismissed claims that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deliberately scheduled the 2027 general elections to coincide with Ramadan.

Speaking while seconding the motion for rescission and recommittal of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2026, Lalong described the allegation as misleading and unfounded.

“Mr. President, I also move to support exactly the presentation made by the Senate Leader… all the reasons given are correct because all of us worked on this document for over two years,” he said.

Addressing the claim directly, the Plateau South senator stated:

“Let me also correct the impression going round that the current INEC Chairman deliberately fixed this date knowing fully well that it will coincide with the Ramadan.”

Providing historical context, Lalong explained that the election timetable was not introduced by the current INEC leadership.

“For the benefit of those who were here in 2019, it was the former INEC Chairman that reeled out the timetable from 2019 to 2030… so this timetable is not today,” he said, emphasizing that the coincidence with religious observances was unintentional.

He noted that the ongoing legislative review of the Electoral Act is intended to address such concerns through proper amendments. “When it coincides like this, there are provisions given by amendments… so I stand to support the presentation,” Lalong added.

The Senate subsequently rescinded its earlier decision on the Electoral Act amendment bill and recommitted it to the Committee of the Whole for comprehensive reconsideration, paving the way for adjustments that would allow INEC to review its timetable without conflicting with major religious observances.