In 2003, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) shifted the date of the general election after protests by Catholic bishops over a clash with Easter.
BACKGROUND
INEC had initially fixed April 19, 2003, for the
governorship and state house of assembly elections.
The date, however, coincided with Holy Saturday, a day
preceding Easter Sunday, a significant event on the Christian calendar.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) described
the scheduled date as unacceptable and urged the electoral body to reconsider.
The bishops argued that holding elections on Holy Saturday
would prevent many Christians from fully participating in their religious and
civic obligations.
In a statement at the time, the conference said the decision
demonstrated insensitivity to the religious commitments of a large segment of
the population.
The bishops implored INEC to move the election in the spirit
of inclusiveness and national harmony.
The protest sparked public debate over the need to balance
electoral timelines with religious observances.
Following consultations and mounting pressure, INEC
announced a shift in the election date.
The commission subsequently moved the governorship and state
assembly elections to a new date in the same month.
2027 ELECTION DATES
A similar debate has been ignited after the electoral umpire
announced dates for the 2027 general election.
Joash Amupitan, INEC chairman, on Friday announced dates for
the presidential and national assembly elections during a news conference in
Abuja.
Outrage trailed the announcement on social media following
reports that the dates fall within the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
In its response, Mohammed Haruna, national commissioner and
chairman of the information and voter education committee of INEC, said the
timetable was developed in strict compliance with extant laws and regulations.
Haruna, however, stated that the commission is undertaking
consultations and may seek legislative intervention where necessary.
He said any adjustment would remain consistent with
constitutional and statutory requirements.
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