Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently review the February 20, 2027 date announced for Nigeria’s next general elections, warning that the schedule clashes with the Ramadan fasting period and could undermine voter participation.
In a strongly worded statement, Atiku said the proposed election date falls within the 2027 Ramadan window, observed by millions of Nigerian Muslims as a sacred period of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection.
He argued that holding a nationwide election during that time would place an unnecessary burden on voters and dampen civic engagement.
He stressed that general elections are not routine administrative events but major national exercises that require widespread participation, physical stamina, and mental focus from both voters and electoral officials.
According to him, fixing the polls within a major religious observance shows a lack of sensitivity to Nigeria’s socio-religious dynamics.
The former presidential candidate said inclusive planning is essential in a plural society and that election scheduling should reflect awareness of religious and cultural realities.
He described the timing decision as avoidable and said it raises concerns about institutional preparedness.
Atiku further questioned the commission’s operational judgment, arguing that difficulty in resolving what he called a basic scheduling issue could weaken public confidence in its ability to conduct credible polls.
He urged the electoral body to reconsider the date and select an alternative that would encourage maximum national participation and reinforce trust in the 2027 electoral process.
