Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has said 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 start on February 8, 2027, and end around March 10, according to the 1448 AH Islamic calendar.
In a statement, Atiku 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.
“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 nation like Nigeria, inclusive planning is not optional but fundamental.
“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.
