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•Nigerians should stop reading religious meanings into everything –ACF
By Olakunle Olafioye and Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has promised to address concerns over its recently released timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election, particularly regarding the dates fixed for the conduct of the elections.
INEC had on Friday announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on February 20, 2027, while the governorship and state assembly polls will be held on March 6, 2027.
The commission also fixed party primaries between May 22 and June 20, 2026, for the nomination of candidates.
However, concerns have arisen from some Nigerians, especially Muslims, over the date of the general election, as they noted it falls within the holy month of Ramadan. They emphasised that the physical demands of fasting may impact voter turnout, logistical, observers and electoral officers’ efficiency.
Notable among the voices is a former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, who urged the commission to reconsider the February 20, 2027 date, citing concerns over its overlap with the Muslim fasting period of Ramadan.
A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, also weighed in on the issue and urged INEC to reconsider the dates.
In response to the concern, INEC, in a statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the timetable was developed in strict compliance with the timelines contained in the Constitution and the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.
Haruna stated that the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, in effect since 2019, fixed the dates elections are to be held.
He quoted paragraph two of the regulation as stating: “Election to the office of President and Vice President, as well as National Assembly, shall hold on the third Saturday of February of any general election year, while election to the office of Governor and Deputy Governor and the State Houses of Assembly shall hold two (2) weeks thereafter.”
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He said, “Accordingly, and in faithful observance of these extant legal and regulatory provisions, the Commission fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections.
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Commission has taken due notice of concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances.
“The Commission wishes to assure the public that it remains sensitive to all legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections.”
He stressed that, in view of the developments, “the Commission is currently undertaking consultations and may, where necessary, seek appropriate legislative intervention to address the concerns raised, while ensuring that any adjustment remains consistent with constitutional and statutory requirements.
“INEC reiterates its unwavering commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election. The public will be duly informed of any further developments.
Meanwhile the National Publicity Secretary of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba has described the 2027 presidential time table that falls within Ramadan fasting period as merely coincidental, saying there is no cause for alarm.
He urged Nigerians to stop reading meanings into situations on the basis of religion, stating that it was impossible that elections would not fall into occasions such as the Ramadan, given the timing.
The ACF scribe, in a chat with one of our correspondents, said: “Personally, this shouldn’t present any cause for concern. Ramadan is a period of devotion, sacrifice, humility and goodwill. Ramadan isn’t, strictly speaking (in my little understanding) some “Sabbath”, work-free period or occasion. Given that the electoral process has time-bound milestones, it is perhaps inevitable that INEC’s timeliness will fall into such occasions as Ramadan.
“Finally, I’m inclined to appeal that, as a nation, we need to tarry a while in “reading too much” on the basis of religion. After all, why don’t we insist on observing Fridays as work-free days as we do for Sundays?”
