Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja — Former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar has intensified pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently revise the timetable for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, arguing that the current schedule — which sets the presidential and national assembly polls for February 20, 2027 — clashes with the holy Muslim fasting period of Ramadan and could undermine voter participation and the credibility of the electoral process. The commission’s announcement late last week has triggered broad debate across political, religious and civil society spheres about inclusivity, constitutional obligations and logistical feasibility.
In a statement released following INEC’s publication of the official timetable, Atiku, a leading figure in Nigerian politics and current chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said the scheduled date “falls squarely within the Ramadan period,” which is widely expected to run from early February to early March in 2027. He described Ramadan as “a sacred season of fasting, reflection and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims,” and said fixing such a significant civic exercise during this period reflects poor planning and insensitivity to Nigeria’s socio‑religious diversity.
Atiku underscored that elections in a plural society like Nigeria are not administrative rituals but national exercises requiring “maximum participation, physical endurance and collective focus.” In his view, holding polls in the midst of fasting and heightened religious observance could depress turnout among a substantial segment of the electorate, particularly in regions with large Muslim populations, and could also place undue strain on electoral officers, observers and voters alike.
The former vice‑president’s intervention comes amid a wave of public criticism following INEC’s announcement of the election dates. Social media platforms and public fora have reflected rising discontent among citizens who argue that the scheduling could disadvantage voters observing Ramadan. Some commentators have suggested that the timing could affect not only voter turnout but also logistical arrangements, given the physical demands of fasting that coincide with the conduct of complex electoral duties.
While Atiku’s call has drawn significant attention, reactions have been mixed within Nigeria’s political landscape. Some figures have aligned with his concerns, arguing that the commission’s decision lacks the necessary sensitivity to accommodate Nigeria’s religious calendar. Former presidential media aide Bashir Ahmad joined the chorus of voices urging INEC to revisit its timetable, describing the overlap with Ramadan as a potential barrier to broad electoral participation and cohesion. Ahmad emphasised that many Muslims scale back demanding activities during the fasting period to focus on prayer and spiritual obligations, which may reduce engagement in physically demanding activities such as queuing at polling units.
In contrast, the ADC itself appears to hold a more nuanced stance on the timetable. The party earlier welcomed INEC’s early release of the election schedule as providing clarity and enabling long‑term planning. This position, however, was quickly contrasted by Atiku’s own criticism, highlighting internal divergences on how best to balance electoral timelines with socio‑religious realities.
INEC, for its part, has acknowledged the concerns raised by stakeholders about the overlap with Ramadan and is engaging in consultations with relevant groups. The commission’s leadership has stressed that the timetable was developed in strict compliance with constitutional mandates, the Electoral Act and existing electoral regulations, which traditionally fix the presidential election on the third Saturday of February in a general election year. However, authorities have indicated that they are taking representations seriously and may explore adjustments, including potential legislative engagement, to mitigate legitimate concerns without undermining constitutional deadlines.
The timetable released by INEC also outlines other key aspects of the electoral calendar, including dates for continuous voter registration, party primaries and other preparatory activities, with party nominations scheduled between May and June 2026. These preparatory steps are intended to ensure that political parties and the electorate are adequately mobilised ahead of the general polls.
Political analysts suggest that Atiku’s push reflects wider anxieties within Nigeria’s opposition ranks about ensuring an election framework that promotes broad inclusion and maximises turnout across the country’s religious and regional demographics. Nigeria, with its nearly even split between Muslim and Christian populations in many regions, is acutely sensitive to perceptions of exclusion or bias in national processes. The timing of the polls has therefore become a flashpoint for broader debates about equitable participation and the management of electoral procedures in a highly diverse society.
Legal experts have weighed in, noting that while the constitution and electoral law provide clear timelines for when general elections must take place, the broader principles of electoral fairness and inclusivity could warrant careful reconsideration of dates where feasible. They say that, if adjustments are possible within legal parameters, accommodating major national observances like Ramadan could mitigate potential barriers to participation and uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
Religious leaders and civil society organisations have also entered the conversation, with some calling for constructive dialogue between the electoral commission and community stakeholders to ensure that electoral planning respects cultural and religious calendars while still meeting statutory obligations. Representatives of Muslim communities have reiterated that Ramadan is a period when most adherents devote themselves to fasting from dawn to dusk, prayer and increased charitable activities, which could conflict with election‑related responsibilities and voter engagement.
The debate over the 2027 election dates illustrates the complex interplay between constitutional mandates, electoral logistics and the sociocultural fabric of Nigeria. As the electorate prepares for what is expected to be one of the most closely watched polls in recent history, the outcome of the discussions between INEC and key stakeholders on whether to adjust the election calendar will be closely monitored both domestically and internationally.
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