The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the 2027 General election from the month of Ramadan.
Atiku, a former Vice President, in post on his Facebook page, said if the INEC does not handle the election timing we’ll, “what assurance do we have that it will competently deliver free, fair, and credible elections in 2027”.
He said “something as basic as choosing a broadly acceptable date should not be mishandled”.
The presidential aspirant and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, said the electoral commission should reconsider the February 20, 2027, and March 6, 2027 election dates because they fall within Ramadan, a sacred season of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.
He said “the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must urgently reconsider the February 20, 2027 date it has announced for the general elections. That date falls squarely within the Ramadan period (February 7 – March 8, 2027), a sacred season of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.
“Elections are not mere administrative rituals; they are national exercises that demand maximum participation, physical endurance, and collective focus.
“Fixing such a critical civic exercise in the middle of a major religious observance reflects poor judgment and a troubling lack of sensitivity to the nation’s socio-religious realities.
“In a diverse country like Nigeria, inclusive planning is not optional, it is fundamental. Something as basic as choosing a broadly acceptable date should not be mishandled. It speaks to competence, foresight, and respect for citizens.”
Atiku expressed doubt, saying “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?”
