Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently reconsider the February 20, 2027 date announced for the next presidential election, citing a clash with the Ramadan fasting period.
Atiku, in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Friday night, said the scheduled date falls within Ramadan period, which is expected to run from February 7 to March 8, 2027.
“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,” he said.
The former vice president noted that elections required broad participation and significant physical engagement, which, according to him, may be affected by the religious observance.
“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,” Atiku stated.
He emphasised the need for inclusive planning in a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society like Nigeria.
“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,” he added.
Questioning the electoral body’s preparedness, Atiku said Nigerians deserved assurances of credible polls.
“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?” he queried.
INEC had earlier in the day announced February 20, 2027, as the date for the presidential and National Assembly elections, with governorship and state assembly polls to follow.
