₦airaland Forum

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the proposed date for the 2027 general elections, urging the electoral body to reconsider its timetable due to a potential clash with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

INEC had earlier announced that Nigeria’s presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on February 20, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027, in line with the constitutional electoral calendar released in Abuja. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

In a statement shared via his social media platforms, Atiku warned that conducting elections during Ramadan — expected to run from February 7 to March 8, 2027 — could significantly affect voter turnout, particularly among Muslim faithful observing fasting, prayers, and other religious obligations.

According to him, the timing raises concerns about inclusivity and sensitivity to Nigeria’s socio-religious realities.

“Elections demand maximum participation, physical endurance and collective focus,” he said, noting that these requirements may be difficult to meet during a sacred period of fasting and spiritual reflection.

The former presidential candidate also questioned the electoral commission’s judgment in fixing the date, suggesting that difficulties in addressing such a fundamental logistical issue could raise doubts about its ability to deliver credible polls.

The controversy has sparked nationwide debate, with religious leaders, civil society organisations, and political stakeholders expressing concerns that the overlap with Ramadan could reduce civic engagement.

INEC has acknowledged the growing public reactions and stated that it is consulting relevant stakeholders on the matter. The commission also indicated that legislative intervention may be required if adjustments to the timetable become necessary, while ensuring compliance with constitutional and statutory provisions.

Observers say the discussion highlights the broader challenge of balancing constitutional deadlines with Nigeria’s diverse religious and cultural considerations as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

https://eyesoflagos.com/2026/02/14/atiku-blasts-inec-ramadan-election-date-2027/

c

Is he contesting to be an imam or the president of a circular nation.

Atiku should have known by now that his time is up.
Face your Ramadan Kareem and allow us to send this Tourist traveller back to Lagos.

Atiku is a bloody Fulani fanatic. See what a national leader and elder statesman is complaining about.


The election also falls during lent. Why are Christians not complaining?

Dumb men everywhere. A circular country and you are blabling about Islam.

Ramadan will not allow him to rig

Pls what's a circular country posters above are talking about .
Abi secular don get another meaning

Secular country you mean

saphiere:
Dumb men everywhere. A circular country and you are blabling about Islam.

Abeg help me ask Atiku what Election has got to do with Fasting?

Is he saying because of Ramadan, they should shift the Election date?

See, who some people dey say make we vote ooo.

Like they say, talk is cheap...

Atiku doesn't want to do what he's know for during Ramadan.

He's actually right. Let's face the truth.

The rigors of election require strength. You can't be at your best while fasting.

alphonsoolajide:
https://eyesoflagos.com/2026/02/14/atiku-blasts-inec-ramadan-election-date-2027/

c

While I understand Atiku's concerns , the premise that fasting will affect the turnout of voters in the north is laughable . The rigging and child voters capital of the world ? Abeg say something else . Small indomie sharing at polling station during ramadan will attract more than the registered voters

How did Atiku know fasting will be then
I thought they must brain-dead wait for sultan to declare it

lordm:
Is contesting to be an imam or the president of a circular nation.

Circular nation? I didn't know that we are Circular like that

mohbadliveson:
Atiku is a bloody Fulani fanatic. See what a national leader and elder statesman is complaining about.


The election also falls during lent. Why are Christians not complaining?

Gubernatorial elections will fall on sallah day, will that day also be Easter?

saphiere:
Dumb men everywhere. A circular country and you are blabling about Islam.

Circular country? And you are calling some people dumb? Check yourself before you reck yourself.
Atiku is a desperate man looking for anyway to gain more followers.

Atiku and blasting, lol…
Naso una go dey blast us too if elected?

Just an observation o

This man is sick upon all the money 🤑💸 he embezzle ......

Lunatic

ogaemma:
Atiku should have known by now that his time is up.
Face your Ramadan Kareem and allow us to send this Tourist traveller back to Lagos.

Despite being a Tinubu supporter. This is very funny 😂😂

LibertyRep:
He's actually right. Let's face the truth.

The rigors of election require strength. You can't be at your best while fasting.

Is there evidence for this claim?

Hakeem Olajuwon won MVP in 1995 playing high level basketball during Ramadan

Mo Salah
Sadio Mane are elite footballers who played in Ramadan
Fact check


So we should cancel. WAEC and JAMB if they fall in Ramadan

Same for World Cup

Everything na religion for Atiku.

LibertyRep:
He's actually right. Let's face the truth.

The rigors of election require strength. You can't be at your best while fasting.

As if you and Atiku are the only one fasting. Don't you do your daily work during fasting periods? As if people in other parties are not fasting

Someone should check if this date is in keeping with the norm. If it isn't, then FG should look into his claims

saphiere:
Dumb men everywhere. A circular country and you are blabling about Islam.

Dumb men everywhere. A secular country and you are blabling about Islam.

Circular

circular
/ˈsəːkjʊlə/
adjective
1.
having the form of a circle.
"the building features a circular atrium"

But that's the only time 70% of the wicked Muslims are not wicked. Or Atiku, are you trying to tell us you've been a wicked Muslim

Alfred200825:
Dumb men everywhere. A secular country and you are blabling about Islam.

Circular

circular
/ˈsəːkjʊlə/
adjective
1.
having the form of a circle.
"the building features a circular atrium"

God punissssssssssssssh you

For these two, you will get hundreds of others who underperformed while fasting.

How's this related to NECO and JAMB which the students are under obligations to write?


For elections, they'll just stay at home with the excuse that they don't want the stress.

Or why do you think the Northern states close schools and ministry early during Ramadan?
Was it not last year that a state in the North closed schools for the entire stretch of the fasting citing harsh weather conditions etc.
How then do you think such people will easily come out to vote during Ramadan?

That's out current reality now, and Atiku is right.

Gajagojo:
Is there evidence for this claim?

Hakeem Olajuwon won MVP in 1995 playing high level basketball during Ramadan

Mo Salah
Sadio Mane are elite footballers who played in Ramadan
Fact check


So we should cancel. WAEC and JAMB if they fall in Ramadan

Same for World Cup

saphiere:
God punissssssssssssssh you

A dumb man love you too Dear

LibertyRep:
For these two, you will get hundreds of others that underperformed while fasting.

How's this related to NECO and JAMB which the students are under obligations to write.


For elections, they'll just stay at home with the excuse that they don't want the stress

The relationship is your claim that you don't perform. At your best when fasting and so the exams should be shifted
With respect that is a dumb question

There is no obligation to write anything any more than there is obligation to vote

Alfred200825:
A dumb man love you too Dear

*Man loves*
*Men love*

Mr English grammar corrector.