Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, to immediately reevaluate the February 20, 2027, date set for the upcoming general elections, calling it ill-considered and insensitive.
According to previous reports, INEC has set the date for the nationwide elections as February 20, 2027, which falls during the Ramadan period, which is set to take place from February 7 to March 8, 2027.
Atiku contended in a statement published on his verified X handle that holding polls during Ramadan might have a detrimental impact on turnout and jeopardise the democratic process’s inclusivity.
He claims that scheduling such an important civic event over a significant religious holiday shows bad judgement and a lack of awareness of Nigeria’s socioreligious realities.
“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.
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“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.
“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?,” the statement read.
