Ramadan: Atiku Demands Immediate Review of 2027 Election Date 

By Our Editor 

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently reconsider the February 20, 2027 date announced for nation’s next general elections, citing a clash with the Ramadan fasting period.

In a statement on Friday night, Atiku said the scheduled election day falls within Ramadan, projected to run from February 7 to March 8, 2027.

He warned that holding a nationwide poll during a major religious observance period could undermine voter participation and inclusiveness.

He stressed that elections are not routine administrative exercises but demanding national activities requiring physical endurance, mass movement, and sustained public engagement by voters, officials, and security personnel.

According to him, fixing such a critical civic process in the middle of a sacred period of fasting and spiritual devotion for millions of Muslims shows poor judgment and a lack of sensitivity to the country’s socio-religious realities.

Atiku noted that in a diverse nation like Nigeria, inclusive planning is essential and that selecting a broadly acceptable election date should be a basic expectation of the electoral body.

He argued that mishandling something as fundamental as timing raises concerns about preparedness for delivering credible polls.

The former Nigerian vice president further questioned the commission’s competence if it fails to address what he described as an avoidable scheduling conflict, saying Nigerians deserve assurance that the 2027 elections will be free, fair, and well-managed.

He said, “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.”

INEC is yet to issue an official response to Atiku’s remarks as of press time.

Meanwhile, political observers say the statement may intensify debate over the election timetable in the months ahead.