Atiku Urges INEC to Reconsider 2027 Election Date Over Ramadan Concerns

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently reconsider the date set for the 2027 general elections, saying it falls within the holy month of Ramadan and could hinder broad voter participation.

In a statement released Friday night, Atiku stressed that the February 20, 2027 date announced by the electoral umpire for the presidential and National Assembly polls falls “squarely within the Ramadan period (February 7 – March 8, 2027)”, which he described as a sacred season of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims. 

According to Atiku, elections are national exercises that require “maximum participation, physical endurance, and collective focus”, and fixing such an important civic event during a major religious observance reflects “poor judgment and a troubling lack of sensitivity to the nation’s socio-religious realities.” 

He added that in a diverse country like Nigeria, inclusive planning “is not optional, it is fundamental” and warned that mishandling even basic logistical decisions like election dates could raise doubts about INEC’s ability to conduct free, fair, and credible elections in 2027. 

INEC had announced that governorship and State Assembly elections would follow on March 6, 2027, with other preparatory activities such as voter registration and party primaries scheduled in line with constitutional timelines. 

Atiku’s plea comes amid growing public debate over the timetable and concerns from some observers that the overlap with Ramadan could affect voter turnout among Muslim communities.