Atiku Urges INEC To Reschedule 2027 Elections Due To Ramadan Fasting

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to scheduled dates for the 2027 general elections, warning that they conflict with Ramadan.

KanyiDaily recalls that the INEC recently announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on February 20, 2027, while governorship and State Assembly elections are set for March 6, 2027.

The commission said the dates follow the guidelines of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

However, the timing has sparked criticism because Ramadan is expected to run from around February 8 to March 10, 2027, meaning both election dates fall within the fasting period.

In a statement on Friday, Atiku said the February 20 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.”

The former vice president stressed that elections require broad participation and careful planning.

He warned that holding elections during Ramadan could reduce voter turnout and affect engagement.

Atiku 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.”

The former vice president also emphasized the importance of inclusive planning in a diverse nation 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 stated.

Questioning INEC’s readiness, Atiku 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?”

KanyiDaily recalls that the INEC recently disclosed that it will need N873.78 billion to run the 2027 general elections.