Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently review the proposed date for the 2027 general elections, warning that it clashes with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
INEC recently announced February 20, 2027, as the election date. However, Atiku noted that the period is expected to fall within Ramadan, projected to run from February 7 to March 8, 2027 — a time when millions of Muslims across Nigeria observe daily fasting, spiritual reflection, and extended worship.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Friday, Atiku stressed that nationwide elections demand intense physical effort, long hours, and full civic engagement from voters, election officials, and security agencies. Scheduling such a critical national exercise during a major religious observance, he argued, risks excluding a significant portion of the population.
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He described the decision as lacking sensitivity to Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity, emphasizing that inclusive governance begins with thoughtful and balanced planning.
“In a plural society like ours, consideration for all citizens is not optional,” Atiku stated. “The selection of an election date should reflect foresight, administrative competence, and respect for the beliefs of the people.”
The former presidential candidate also raised concerns about INEC’s overall preparedness, suggesting that difficulties in setting an appropriate timetable could undermine public confidence in the commission’s ability to conduct a transparent and credible election in 2027.
He urged the electoral body to act promptly by engaging stakeholders and adjusting the schedule in a manner that promotes broad participation and national unity.
