Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reconsider the date set for the 2027 general elections, warning that the timing could undermine voter participation as it falls within the holy month of Ramadan.
INEC had earlier announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on February 20, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections would follow on March 6, 2027. Party primaries are scheduled between May 22 and June 20, 2026.
In a post on his official X handle on Friday, Atiku stressed that the proposed date coincides with Ramadan (February 7 – March 8, 2027), a period of fasting, reflection, and 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,” Atiku wrote.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) argued that inclusive planning is essential in a diverse country like Nigeria.
“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,” he added.
Atiku also questioned INEC’s preparedness for the 2027 polls, warning that failure to get the timing right raises doubts about the commission’s ability to deliver credible elections.
“If INEC struggles with getting a simple matter of timing right, Nigerians are justified in asking: what assurance do we have that it will competently deliver free, fair, and credible elections in 2027?” he asked.
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