Yemi Obafemi
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently reconsider the February 20, 2027 date announced for the next general elections, citing concerns over its clash with the Ramadan fasting period.
In a statement, Atiku noted that the scheduled date falls within Ramadan, which is expected to run from February 7 to March 8, 2027, a sacred period 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,” he said.
He described the decision to fix the elections in the middle of a major religious observance as poor judgment and reflective of a lack of sensitivity to Nigeria’s socio-religious realities.
“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.
He wrote: “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?
