The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that delays in the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill may affect its ability to implement the planned timetable for the 2027 general elections, INEC officials said in Abuja on Tuesday.

INEC’s remark followed the failure of the National Assembly to conclude action on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, which seeks to revise certain provisions of the country’s electoral law.

The commission said it has finalised its proposed 2027 election timetable but requires legal certainty before publishing it formally.

At a news briefing in Abuja, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Alphonsine Nwoye, said the commission is ready to release the 2027 electoral timetable once the amended law is enacted.

She said the commission’s timetable is prepared in line with current law and pending amendments.

Nwoye said the passage of the amendment bill would provide legal clarity for INEC to fix dates for key processes such as party primaries, submission of nomination forms, voter registration and other pre‑election activities.

She noted that the commission’s timetable must conform to the provisions of the extant Electoral Act or any updated law before publication.

The Electoral Act Amendment Bill has been under consideration by both chambers of the National Assembly. Lawmakers earlier transmitted a harmonised version of the bill to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.

However, the president returned the bill to the legislature with queries and requested clarifications on certain provisions. The legislature has since been engaging in further consultations.

INEC’s position underscores the need for legal certainty before finalising electoral arrangements. The commission said electoral planning must be conducted within a clear legal framework to avoid legal challenges and ensure compliance with due process.

INEC said it is prepared to proceed once the legal framework is clarified.