Former Vice President and presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reconsider the February 20, 2027 date set for the general elections, citing its clash with the Muslim fasting period of Ramadan.
INEC had previously announced that the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on February 20, with governorship and State Assembly polls scheduled for March 6, 2027. Party primaries for candidate nominations are slated between May 22 and June 20, 2026.
In a post on his official X account on Friday, Atiku highlighted that the proposed election date falls “squarely within the Ramadan period (February 7 – March 8, 2027), a sacred time of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection for millions of Nigerian Muslims.”
He warned that scheduling elections during this period could negatively affect voter turnout and overall participation, stressing that elections require widespread engagement, careful planning, and physical endurance.
“At a time when millions of Nigerians are observing a major religious practice, expecting full civic participation is unrealistic. This demonstrates a lack of sensitivity to our nation’s diverse socio-religious context,” Atiku wrote.
The former Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate also emphasized the need for inclusive planning in Nigeria’s multi-religious and multi-ethnic society. “Choosing an election date that accommodates all citizens is not optional—it reflects competence, foresight, and respect for the electorate,” he added.
He further questioned INEC’s readiness, asking, “If the commission cannot manage something as fundamental as timing, what confidence do Nigerians have that it can conduct free, fair, and credible elections in 2027?”