Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded an immediate change of the date released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the 2027 general elections, stating it falls within the Ramadan period.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must urgently reconsider the February 20, 2027 date it has announced for the general elections,” Mr Abubakar said in a statement on Friday. “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.”

INEC had earlier released the official elections timetable, outlining dates for campaigns, voters’ registration, political parties’ primary elections and general elections.

However, Mr Abubakar blasted INEC for fixing the elections within the holy month of Ramadan, accusing the electoral umpire of poor judgement and insensitivity to the country’s socio-religious realities.

“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,” the ADC chieftain said.

While noting that inclusive planning was fundamental, the former vice president said INEC’s poor handling of election timing casts doubt on the capacity of the body to deliver free and fair elections to Nigerians.

“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.

“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?” Mr Abubakar stated.