Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to reconsider the timetable fixed for the 2027 general elections, raising concerns about its overlap with the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
INEC had earlier announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on February 20, 2027. The commission also scheduled governorship and state assembly polls for March 6, 2027. Party primaries are expected to take place between May 22 and June 20, 2026.
Reacting through a post on his verified X handle on Friday, Atiku noted that the proposed presidential election date falls within the Ramadan period.
He said the date sits “squarely within the Ramadan period (February 7 – March 8, 2027), a sacred season of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.”
The former presidential candidate warned that the timing could affect participation in the electoral process. He stressed that elections require wide civic engagement and adequate physical readiness from voters.
He said, “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 also emphasised the importance of inclusiveness in national planning. He argued that decisions of such magnitude should reflect sensitivity to Nigeria’s diversity.
“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 stated.
Questioning the commission’s preparedness, he added, “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?”
As of the time of filing this report, INEC has not issued an official response to the concerns raised by the former vice president regarding the election timetable.
