Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should “urgently” reschedule the 2027 general election fixed for February 20 to another date.
The electoral body came under criticism on Friday after
announcing the date for the 2027 general election.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Joash Amupitan, INEC
chairman, said the presidential and national assembly elections would be held
on February 20, while the governorship and state houses of assembly elections
would be held on March 6.
He said the dates were fixed in accordance with the
provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
However, the dates fall within the Islamic holy month of
Ramadan, which is expected to commence on February 8, 2027, and end around
March 10, according to the 1448 AH Islamic calendar.
The election schedule elicited heated debates on X, with
Bashir Ahmad, former presidential media aide, saying that fixing such a
critical national exercise during Ramadan may present challenges for a large
segment of the population.
In a statement on Friday, the former vice-president insisted
that the election date falls squarely within the Ramadan period, which he
described as a sacred season of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion for
millions of Nigerian Muslims.
He said elections are not mere administrative rituals but
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,” the statement reads.
He noted that in a diverse country like Nigeria, inclusive
planning is not optional but fundamental.
According to him, choosing a broadly acceptable date should
not be mishandled, noting that 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 will
competently deliver free, fair, and credible elections in 2027?” he queried.
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