More reactions trail 2027 election dates

With the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections barely days away, attention has now shifted strongly to the 2027 general elections  over  concerns that the  dates fixed for elections fall within the two major religious fasting seasons.

Ramadan is expected to begin on February 18, 2026, subject to moon sighting, the same day Christians observe Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent. The FCT election scheduled for February 21 will therefore hold on the fourth day of Ramadan and the fourth day of Lent.

In the past weeks, some Muslim groups had called for a postponement, citing the physical demands of fasting and the potential impact on voter participation. However, with less than a week to the poll, public agitation has waned as preparations enter the final stretch.

Despite the easing tension around the FCT election, debate has intensified nationwide over the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fix February 20, 2027 for the next general elections — a date projected to fall within both Ramadan and Lent.

Available calendar projections indicate that Ramadan in 2027 is likely to begin around February 8, placing the general election on approximately the 13th day of Ramadan, while Lent, expected to start on February 10, would make the poll fall on about the 11th day of the Christian fasting period.

The development has continued to generate reactions from religious stakeholders and public commentators who argue that holding nationwide elections during intense periods of fasting and devotion in a multi-faith society could affect turnout and participation.

Observers note that while the constitution empowers INEC to determine election dates, growing calls for sensitivity to religious observances may shape public discourse as the 2027 elections approach.

Fixing election during Ramadan shows poor judgment— Atiku Abubakar

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently reschedule the February 20, 2027 general election, warning that the date falls squarely within the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Speaking in Abuja, Atiku said elections are not mere administrative routines but major national exercises requiring broad participation, physical endurance and collective focus, which could be affected during a period of fasting and spiritual devotion.

He described the timing as a sign of poor judgment and insensitivity to Nigeria’s socio-religious realities, stressing that in a diverse country, inclusive planning is fundamental.

MURIC condemns decision

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has rejected the 2027 election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as “exclusive, insensitive and provocative.”

In a statement, the group’s Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, said the scheduled dates fall within the holy month of Ramadan, projected to run from February 8 to about March 10, 2027 and warned that conducting elections during the fasting period could have far-reaching implications, including challenges for voters, electoral personnel and security agencies who would be observing the fast. A

INEC to review 2027 election date

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has indicated that it may review the February 20, 2027 general election date in response to concerns from stakeholders over its overlap with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season.

In a statement issued on Friday, Mohammed Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, said the timetable was developed in strict compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022,

“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,” Haruna said. He added that INEC is currently undertaking consultations and may, where necessary, seek legislative intervention to address the concerns raised, while ensuring any adjustment remains consistent with constitutional and statutory requirements.

The commission reassured the public of its commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 general elections, promising to keep citizens informed of any further developments.

National Assembly to hold extraordinary sitting over  timetable

The National Assembly has announced an extraordinary sitting scheduled for Tuesday, 17 February 2026, to consider adjustments to the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill following the release of the 2027 general election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to a notice issued by Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi, Chief of Staff to the Speaker, the review is prompted by concerns that the proposed presidential and national assembly election dates coincide with Ramadan, which could affect voter participation. The recommittal of the Bill seeks, among other matters, to reduce the statutory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days, allowing for greater flexibility in scheduling and alignment with national considerations. 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

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