In response to public concerns regarding the scheduling of the 2027 general elections during the holy month of Ramadan—a significant period of fasting for Muslims—the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that it will engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure equitable access for all citizens to participate in the electoral process.

In a statement released on Friday by Mohammed Kudu, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voters Education Committee, the commission acknowledged concerns raised by some Nigerians who suggested that the fasting period could impact the participation of key stakeholders in the elections.

At a press conference on Friday, INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on February 20, 2027. The governorship and state assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027. This timeline aligns with the amended 1999 constitution, which requires elections to be held between 150 and 30 days before the current officeholders’ terms expire in May and June 2027.

The announcement drew mixed responses from Nigerians, especially Muslims, who felt Ramadan fasting might limit their election participation. Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate, joined calls urging INEC to revise the schedule to accommodate better those fasting during Ramadan.

In a post via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, Atiku said the proposed 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.”

Bashir Ahmad, the former spokesperson to the former president Muhammadu Buhari, also shared a similar stance, urging the electoral body to reconsider the dates. “If the intention is to encourage full and inclusive participation in the electoral process, scheduling such a critical national exercise during Ramadan may present challenges for a large segment of the population. Many Muslims tend to reduce engagement in demanding worldly activities during this period in order to focus on religious obligations.

“Given the significant Muslim population in this country, it may be worthwhile to reconsider the timing to ensure broader participation and convenience for all citizens. “I do hope this observation will be taken in the spirit of inclusiveness and national cohesion,” he said.

Responding to the public concerns, INEC said the timetable was developed in strict compliance with the timelines contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the INEC Guidelines and Regulations for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.

Mr Kudu further stated that the “INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, made since 2019, fixed the dates elections are to be held. Paragraph 2 of the Regulation provides: “Election to the office of President and Vice President, as well as the National Assembly, shall be held 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 be held two (2) weeks thereafter.”

He further explained that the commission adhered to the observance of these extant legal and regulatory provisions and thereafter fixed the said date for the elections to meet the legality of its operation.

Despite this, INEC maintained that it has taken notice of the concerns and grievances of some Nigerians, stating that “it remains sensitive to all legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections.

“In view of these representations, 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.”

Similar Religious Concern in 2003

Meanwhile, this is not the first time the electoral commission has been pressured to shift the date of elections for religious reasons. In 2003, the electoral body had initially fixed April 19, 2003, for the governorship and state house of assembly elections, a date that coincided with Holy Saturday, a day preceding Easter Sunday, a significant event on the Christian calendar.

As a result of the development, the Christian bodies, including the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) protested against the schedule and called on the electoral body to change the date, stating that holding elections that day would affect Christians’ participation during the polls, causing their disenfranchisement.

Despite the pressure from the public, the elections were held as planned.

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