The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reschedule the 2027 general elections, citing a clash with Ramadan.
ThelensNG reports that INEC announced its timetable for the 2027 general elections earlier today. The Commission scheduled February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.
Reacting to the development, Atiku said: “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 explained that elections are not mere administrative rituals but national exercises that demand maximum participation, physical endurance, and collective focus.
The former Vice President argued that 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,” Atiku stated. “Something as basic as choosing a broadly acceptable date should not be mishandled.”
He emphasised that choosing a date for an election speaks to competence, foresight, and respect for citizens.
He added that if INEC struggles with getting a simple matter of timing right, Nigerians are justified in asking what assurance they have that it will competently deliver free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.
