Atiku says scheduling polls during ramadan could reduce voter participation...

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the February 20, 2027, date set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the next general elections, describing it as insensitive and poorly judged.

CBI News reports that INEC scheduled the nationwide polls during the Ramadan period, which runs from February 7 to March 8, 2027.

In a statement on his 𝕏 handle, Atiku argued that holding elections during Ramadan could reduce voter participation and compromise inclusivity.

He stressed that the timing of such a key civic exercise should reflect sensitivity to Nigeria’s socio-religious realities.

“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,” Atiku wrote.

He further highlighted the demands of an election period, saying, “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 African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain added that inclusive planning is essential in a diverse country like Nigeria, noting that mismanaging something as fundamental as election timing raises doubts about INEC’s ability to conduct free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.

“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?” he said.