Former presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has raised concerns over the timing of the 2027 general elections, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reconsider the February 20, 2027, date. His appeal is rooted in the proposed election date coinciding with the Islamic fasting period of Ramadan, which will run from February 7 to March 8, 2027.
In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Atiku pointed out that the election date falls “squarely within the Ramadan period,” a time of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims. Atiku’s statement underscores the importance of timing in national elections, emphasizing that such a crucial civic exercise requires careful planning and broad participation.
Atiku, who was the 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), argued that elections are far from mere administrative processes. Rather, they are national events that require significant physical endurance, collective focus, and wide participation. He cautioned that scheduling elections during Ramadan could affect voter turnout and overall engagement, an issue of great concern for the democratic process.
“Elections are not mere administrative rituals; they are national exercises that demand maximum participation, physical endurance, and collective focus,” Atiku stated in his post. He went on to express that holding such an important event in the middle of a major religious observance demonstrates “poor judgment” and a “troubling lack of sensitivity to the nation’s socio-religious realities.”
The former Vice President also highlighted the importance of inclusive planning in a nation as diverse as Nigeria, stressing that careful consideration should be given to ensure that dates for national events are widely acceptable. He remarked, “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.”
In concluding his post, Atiku questioned INEC’s readiness to conduct free, fair, and credible elections in 2027, suggesting that if the commission cannot get a simple matter like timing right, Nigerians may reasonably question its ability to manage the election process as a whole.
Atiku’s comments come in the wake of the electoral body’s announcement, which set February 20, 2027, as the date for the presidential elections, while the governorship and state assembly elections were scheduled for March 6, 2027. Party primaries are expected to take place between May 22 and June 20, 2026, for the nomination of candidates.
Atiku’s call has sparked conversation among Nigerians, particularly those concerned about the potential impact of Ramadan on voter participation. With millions of Muslims fasting during this period, the timing of the elections could prove to be a sensitive issue, one that requires careful deliberation to ensure a fair and inclusive electoral process.
