INEC on Friday released 2027 elections timetable fixing February 20 for the presidential and national assembly, March 6 for governorship and state assemblies.

The Chairman of the Independent INEC), Joash Amupitan, told journalists at the press briefing in Abuja that the announcement was in strict compliance with constitutional and statutory provisions guiding the conduct of elections in Nigeria.

Citing constitutional timelines, Amupitan explained: “Pursuant to Section 76(2), 116(2), 132(2), and 178(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, elections to the said offices shall hold not earlier than 150 days, and not later than 30 days, before the expiration of the term of office of the holders.

“By virtue of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the tenure of the President, the Vice-President, the Governors, and Deputy Governors of states of the Federation, except Anambra State, Bayasa State, Edo States, Ekiti States, Imo State, Kogi, Ondo, and Nasarawa States, will expire on the 28th day of May,  will expire on the 28th day of May, 2027,” he said.

“If we are looking for people who can run nations in Africa, we should look within the 25 to 50 age brackets. That is when you can be vibrant, physically strong and mentally sound,” said former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Jonathan gave the insight on Thursday in Abuja during the International Memorial Lecture and Leadership Conference to mark the 50th anniversary of the assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed.

He urged African nations to promote younger leaders, arguing that those between the ages of 25 and 50 are better equipped to handle the physical and mental demands of modern governance.

Reflecting on his time in office, Jonathan said leadership requires exceptional stamina and resilience, noting that he often slept for only a few hours while serving as president.

Jonathan aligns his remarks with the objectives of Nigeria’s “Not Too Young To Run” movement, which advocates reduced age limits for elective positions to encourage youth participation in politics.

Jonathan cited the example of General Murtala Muhammed, who became Head of State at 38 and, despite serving for only 200 days, left what he described as a lasting legacy of decisive and visionary leadership.

“Murtala’s leadership sent a clear message that governance is about serving the national interest, not personal ambition,” he said.

He also referenced General Yakubu Gowon, who assumed office at 32 and later introduced the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing him as another example of youthful leadership at a critical period in Nigeria’s history.

However, Jonathan cautioned that age alone does not guarantee effective leadership, emphasising the importance of discipline, patriotism and strong institutions.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, said that he had a premonition of imminent arrest by the APC-led Federal Government.

El-Rufai, now a prominent figure in the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the allegation during an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday.

He also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of mounting pressure on politicians to either defect to the party or remain within its fold.

El-Rufai has in recent months intensified his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the APC — the platform under which he governed Kaduna State for eight years, said that some of his associates have already been detained.

“Four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested; so it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too,” he stated.

El-Rufai’s remarks come against the backdrop of the arrest and ongoing trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.