Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to reconsider the date set for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, warning that it clashes with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
INEC announced on Friday that the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for February 20, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls will hold on March 6, 2027. The commission said the dates were selected in accordance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
However, the timetable has drawn criticism, as Ramadan is projected to begin around February 8 and end about March 10, meaning both election dates fall within the fasting period.
In a statement on Friday, Atiku noted that February 20 “sits squarely within the Ramadan period,” describing the season as one of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.
He emphasised that elections require “maximum participation, physical endurance, and collective focus,” arguing that scheduling a major civic exercise during a key religious observance shows “poor judgment and a troubling lack of sensitivity to the nation’s socio-religious realities.”
Atiku stressed that in a plural society like Nigeria, inclusive decision-making is essential, saying, “Selecting a date that accommodates broad public interests reflects competence and foresight.”
He added: “If INEC struggles with getting a simple matter of timing right, Nigerians are justified in asking: what assurance do we have that it will competently deliver free, fair, and credible elections in 2027?”
