Follow Us on Google
By John Ogunsemore
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Friday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reconsider its recently-released timetable for the 2027 general election.
Atiku stated this in a statement he personally signed which was posted on his verified Facebook page.
However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain’s stance differs from his party’s initial reaction to the timetable.
At a media parley at its headquarters in Abuja on Friday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan released the timetable for next year’s general election.
He said the commission fixed February 20, 2027, as the date to conduct the presidential and National Assembly elections and fixed March 6, 2027, for governorship and State Assembly elections.
Reacting, Atiku said INEC must reconsider the February 20, 2027, date for the Presidential and National Assembly elections as it coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims across the country would be observing the annual period of fasting.
The 2027 presidential hopeful said, “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must urgently reconsider the February 20, 2027 date it has announced for the general elections.
Other News
“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.
“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.”
Atiku argued that if INEC struggles with getting a simple matter of timing right, Nigerians were justified in asking what assurance they have that it would competently deliver free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.
Meanwhile, the National Publicity Secretary of ADC, Bolaji Abdulahi, in his immediate reaction on the release of the 2027 election timetable told Saturday Sun that the opposition party is ready for the next general election, noting that it had no issues with the timetable released by the electoral umpire.
“For us, we are ready for the general election. It (timetable) is also good. It gives structure to everything. It enables political parties to firm up their plans. For us, we are ready. We don’t have any problem with it. That is our immediate response. Our immediate reaction is that we will be guided by the timetable,” the party spokesman stated.
Nonetheless, Abdullahi said the ADC will take a closer look at the timetable and react, accordingly, if need be.
