Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its decision to fix February 20, 2027, for the next general elections, urging the commission to immediately review the date.
INEC had announced February 20, 2027, as the date for the nationwide polls — a period that coincides with the Ramadan fast, scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8, 2027.
Reacting in a statement shared on his verified X handle, Atiku described the decision as insensitive and poorly judged, warning that conducting elections during Ramadan could limit participation and weaken inclusivity in the electoral process.
According to him, holding a major civic exercise in the middle of a sacred religious period shows a troubling lack of awareness of Nigeria’s socio-religious diversity.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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?” the statement read.
