₦airaland Forum

I read a statement authored by Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President of Nigeria, in which he criticized the scheduling of the 2027 elections simply because the arrangement falls within the 2027 Ramadan month. Atiku’s criticism is not the only one so far; there have been others whose status is of little or no significance in the scheme of things.

It is unfortunate that Atiku, who was privileged to occupy a very senior office in the country, would subtly whip up religious sentiments when he clearly knows that no passage in the Holy Quran forbids or makes elections illegal during Ramadan. In fact, there have been countless instances of countries, including predominantly Muslim ones, holding elections during the Ramadan month. Some of these are:

Gambia, a predominantly Muslim country, held its 2022 National Assembly election on April 9, which was the eighth day of Ramadan.

Turkey, a country with a predominantly Muslim population, held nationwide municipal elections on March 31, 2024. That was around the twenty first day of Ramadan.

Kuwait, a predominantly Muslim country in the Middle East, held its general election on April 4, 2024. That date was exactly the twenty fifth day of Ramadan that year.

In 2004, the United States held its presidential election on November 2, while Ramadan began on October 15. This clearly meant that the election was held during Ramadan. No decent citizen raised an eyebrow.

The United Kingdom held elections in June 2017 and in May of 2019, 2021, and 2022 during Ramadan.

In addition to the above, several FIFA World Cups, European Cups, and football leagues across the predominantly Muslim Middle East, Europe, as well as Africa, have been held during the Ramadan month. So what is so special about an important Nigerian election holding in the same period?

A discerning mind, irrespective of religion or faith, would dismiss the statement by Atiku Abubakar and focus instead on holding INEC accountable to guarantee a free, fair, and credible process. Most importantly, we should not lose our guard or be distracted by religious considerations when the most critical issue is ensuring that every single vote counts and that the mandate is protected.

'Tonye Barcanista

That is one of the CORE problems with Islam.

They want EVERYBODY to make adjustments and sacrifices for THEM without yielding anything in return.

It makes ZERO sense to throw tantrums over something that'll take place for just 1 or 2 days during the whole period.

Now, they want the WHOLE country to make accommodations for them.

Namaster:
That is one of the CORE problems with Islam.

They want EVERYBODY to make adjustments and sacrifices for THEM without yielding anything in return.

The problem is Atiku Abubakar and his minions, not Islam. We have seen Muslim predominant countries holding elections, playing football games, and all during Ramadan. Even Atiku's private businesses do not shut down during Ramadan.

TonyeBarcanista:
The problem is Atiku Abubakar and his minions, not Islam. We have seen Muslim predominant countries holding elections, playing football games, and all during Ramadan. Even Atiku's private businesses do not shut down during Ramadan.

You have a POINT.

But Atiku is LEVERAGING Islamic tendencies to demand EXTERNAL conformies than practise INTERNAL control to make his RIDICULOUS demands.

Islam, at least in Nigeria, gave him the AUDACITY to utter his MADNESS.

People are not considering time factor, logistics for the election materials which could be time consuming.

Lent or Ramadan shouldn't be the priority but credible election like the op said

Namaster:
You have a POINT.

But Atiku is LEVERAGING Islamic tendencies to demand EXTERNAL conformies than practise INTERNAL control to make his RIDICULOUS demands.

Islam, at least in Nigeria, gave him the AUDACITY to utter his MADNESS.

See, there is no time the election would be scheduled that the opposition won't still cry foul.

Government don't have to do things to massage their egos

TonyeBarcanista:
The problem is Atiku Abubakar and his minions, not Islam. We have seen Muslim predominant countries holding elections, playing football games, and all during Ramadan. Even Atiku's private businesses do not shut down during Ramadan.

Lol. Going by the INEC date, gubernatorial elections will fall on sallah day. Is that still okay to you? So you expect muslims to jettison Eid prayers and go queue up to vote? What about the electoral officials who would have to administer the elections? What if I told you it's not the first time concerns would be raised about proposed INEC dates? It happened during the general elections in 2003 after protests from Catholic Bishops and the election was shifted.

https://www.thecable.ng/rewind-how-catholic-bishops-forced-inec-to-shift-2003-election-date-over-easter-clash/

helinues:
People are not considering time factor, logistics for the election materials which could be time consuming.

Lent or Ramadan shouldn't be the priority but credible election like the op said

Honestly, I think the likes of Atiku have given up on winning the election. Their tactics are unnecessary

TonyeBarcanista:
Honestly, I think the likes of Atiku have given up on winning the election. Their tactics are unnecessary

They neglected the important things and be talking about irrelevant

The thread below was created before the 2023 election. The questions there are about election process yet I haven't seen the opposition raising any of the issue .

Child voting was televised live in the last election in Kano state, is there any measure in the new electoral law to discourage that. The opposition we have in Nigeria generally are not serious

https://www.nairaland.com/7230596/important-things-should-discussing-during

I am so surprised at how Atiku is chasing shadow. Fasting is personal between you and your God. He is not the only one fasting. People in other parties are also fasting. I don't know fasting should be an issue here. Some religions also fast. He and his followers are hiding something

helinues:
See, there is no time the election would be scheduled that the opposition won't still cry foul.

Government don't have to do things to massage their egos

In this case, it is possible government yield. They have been campaigning against INEC chairman. If they lose they will tell you it' because of the INEC timetable. P

Obiedun:
In this case, it is possible government yield. They have been campaigning against INEC chairman. If they lose they will tell you it' because of the INEC timetable. P

Can the opposition ever be satisfied?

Obiedun:
I am so surprised at how Atiku is chasing shadow. Fasting is personal between you and your God. He is not the only one fasting. People in other parties are also fasting. I don't know fasting should be an issue here. Some religions also fast. He and his followers are hiding something

Okay o. I hope I have not inadvertently shut down the thread by exposing the hypocrisy inherent in it? Even the creator of the thread has absconded.

https://www.thecable.ng/rewind-how-catholic-bishops-forced-inec-to-shift-2003-election-date-over-easter-clash/

They seem to be interested in frivolous conversations and clout-chasing

helinues:
They neglected the important things and be talking about irrelevant

The thread below was created before the 2023 election. The questions there are about election process yet I haven't seen the opposition raising any of the issue .

Child voting was televised live in the last election in Kano state, is there any measure in the new electoral law to discourage that. The opposition we have in Nigeria generally are not serious

https://www.nairaland.com/7230596/important-things-should-discussing-during

AMINDA:
Okay o. I hope I have not inadvertently shut down the thread by exposing the hypocrisy inherent in it? Even the creator of the thread has absconded.

https://www.thecable.ng/rewind-how-catholic-bishops-forced-inec-to-shift-2003-election-date-over-easter-clash/

Absconded to where? During Ramadan people go to farm, school, office, library, visa interview, business meetings, etc, but they suddenly discuss something else when it is about election. Haba

AMINDA:
Okay o. I hope I have not inadvertently shut down the thread by exposing the hypocrisy inherent in it? Even the creator of the thread has absconded.

https://www.thecable.ng/rewind-how-catholic-bishops-forced-inec-to-shift-2003-election-date-over-easter-clash/

Thanks for your feedback. Wasthe 2023 election timetable changeed because of the Catholic outcry? I don't see any reason why election date should be changed because of voting.

Obiedun:
Thanks for your feedback. Wasthe 2023 election timetable changeed because of the Catholic outcry? I don't see any reason why election date should be changed because of voting.

I don't know how that fellow reasons

TonyeBarcanista:
Absconded to where? During Ramadan people go to farm, school, office, library, visa interview, business meetings, etc, but they suddenly discuss something else when it is about election. Haba

You equate all these everyday life activities to Ramadan? The Ramadan period is a very exhausting one for Muslims that takes a lot of toll on the Muslim. From the abstinence from food and drinks to the late night prayers and other acts of worship that sometimes involve seclusion. In some Northern states, schools are even shut down (unpopular? yes) as a result of the strain and how hot the weather can be in the far North during that time of the year. For you to dismiss these concerns and equate Ramadan to an everyday life activity tells a lot.

In any case, I have proven to you that general elections have had to be postponed in the past upon demand by Christian clerics so your attempts to carry out a religious agenda against Atiku is dead on arrival.

Obiedun:
Thanks for your feedback. Wasthe 2023 election timetable changeed because of the Catholic outcry? I don't see any reason why election date should be changed because of voting.

Yes it was. INEC had initially fixed April 19, 2003, for the governorship and state house of assembly elections. The date, however, coincided with Holy Saturday, a day preceding Easter Sunday and INEC had to postpone the election due to outcry from Catholic Bishops. Holy Saturday o!

Fast forward to 2027, INEC's proposed new date for the gubernatorial election will also fall on sallah day. Yet TonyeBarcanista is insisting that Atiku and other Muslims have no right to complain.

helinues:
See, there is no time the election would be scheduled that the opposition won't still cry foul.

Government don't have to do things to massage their egos

You are correct, if the government had come out to say they were shifting the election dates because of The Ramadan, Atiku & his boy Obi would have cried foul, & wailed that the government is planning to rig hence the shift in dates.

It is then they will give u the examples that Senegal did it in their last election, turkey & Kuwait & many other Islamic countries have done it in the past.

How many of you shouting integrity have one as small as it is.

AMINDA:
Yes it was. INEC had initially fixed April 19, 2003, for the governorship and state house of assembly elections. The date, however, coincided with Holy Saturday, a day preceding Easter Sunday and INEC had to postpone the election due to outcry from Catholic Bishops. Holy Saturday o!

Fast forward to 2027, INEC's proposed new date for the gubernatorial election will also fall on sallah day. Yet TonyeBarcanista is insisting that Atiku and other Muslims have no right to complain.

No. No election date was changed in 2023. It's like you wants to be mischievous. Do you think you are talking to babies? Elections were held in February. Google it if you want to be sure. The only time the date of election was changed was I 2015. The government if president Jonathan asked for the changed according to the government it was done as a result of insecurity

It's integrity mehn
Not caps

Na only God go fit separate Nigeria and religion.

Tinubu and shettima



are



Muslim



also


ATIKU should rest

Whipping up unnecessary religious sentiments and setting Nigeria for religious crisis after 2027 election would not end well with Atiku. Atiku and his minions are not more Muslims than Kuwait, Gambia or Turkey citizens. You people just wail for wailing sake.

AMINDA:
Yes it was. INEC had initially fixed April 19, 2003, for the governorship and state house of assembly elections. The date, however, coincided with Holy Saturday, a day preceding Easter Sunday and INEC had to postpone the election due to outcry from Catholic Bishops. Holy Saturday o!

Fast forward to 2027, INEC's proposed new date for the gubernatorial election will also fall on sallah day. Yet TonyeBarcanista is insisting that Atiku and other Muslims have no right to complain.

They cried for electronic transmission they got caught-up in a tight corner and scored their own goal and no more pim from them and now its Ramadan day shit. Una go wail taya...

AMINDA:
Lol. Going by the INEC date, gubernatorial elections will fall on sallah day. Is that still okay to you? So you expect muslims to jettison Eid prayers and go queue up to vote? What about the electoral officials who would have to administer the elections? What if I told you it's not the first time concerns would be raised about proposed INEC dates? It happened during the general elections in 2003 after protests from Catholic Bishops and the election was shifted.

https://www.thecable.ng/rewind-how-catholic-bishops-forced-inec-to-shift-2003-election-date-over-easter-clash/

You have even known the day of the Salah for next year whereas you have not known Salah day for this year. Isn't the moon that will tell you when to start and stop? Mr Man you are not being sincere at all. 2023 election was not changed for any reason as you claimed.

Obiedun:
You have even known the day of the Salah for next year whereas you have not known Salah day for this year. Isn't the moon that will tell you when to start and stop? Mr Man you are not being sincere at all. 2023 election was not changed for any reason as you claimed.

Oga, stop quoting me if you are not going to apply yourself. I literally attached the link from TheCable. All you needed to do was to read. 2003 is not the same as 2023. Apply yourself.

https://www.thecable.ng/rewind-how-catholic-bishops-forced-inec-to-shift-2003-election-date-over-easter-clash/

TonyeBarcanista:
I read a statement authored by Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President of Nigeria, in which he criticized the scheduling of the 2027 elections simply because the arrangement falls within the 2027 Ramadan month. Atiku’s criticism is not the only one so far; there have been others whose status is of little or no significance in the scheme of things.

It is unfortunate that Atiku, who was privileged to occupy a very senior office in the country, would subtly whip up religious sentiments when he clearly knows that no passage in the Holy Quran forbids or makes elections illegal during Ramadan. In fact, there have been countless instances of countries, including predominantly Muslim ones, holding elections during the Ramadan month. Some of these are:

Gambia, a predominantly Muslim country, held its 2022 National Assembly election on April 9, which was the eighth day of Ramadan.

Turkey, a country with a predominantly Muslim population, held nationwide municipal elections on March 31, 2024. That was around the twenty first day of Ramadan.

Kuwait, a predominantly Muslim country in the Middle East, held its general election on April 4, 2024. That date was exactly the twenty fifth day of Ramadan that year.

In 2004, the United States held its presidential election on November 2, while Ramadan began on October 15. This clearly meant that the election was held during Ramadan. No decent citizen raised an eyebrow.

The United Kingdom held elections in June 2017 and in May of 2019, 2021, and 2022 during Ramadan.

In addition to the above, several FIFA World Cups, European Cups, and football leagues across the predominantly Muslim Middle East, Europe, as well as Africa, have been held during the Ramadan month. So what is so special about an important Nigerian election holding in the same period?

A discerning mind, irrespective of religion or faith, would dismiss the statement by Atiku Abubakar and focus instead on holding INEC accountable to guarantee a free, fair, and credible process. Most importantly, we should not lose our guard or be distracted by religious considerations when the most critical issue is ensuring that every single vote counts and that the mandate is protected.

'Tonye Barcanista

u should know dey will want to be holy during that time, so they won't be free to do bad things during election. Lol

In those countries listed - turkey, Kuwait, how long does it take a voter to vote?
During the last presidential election, I went to the polling station at 7am and was given tally 305. At 10pm, they had not gotten to my number. And I stayed in the polling station all day and night. If I was a Muslim fasting, wount I faint?

I think INEC's hand are tied by law anyway.

The opposition injecting religion into everything will not help them.

Personally, I don't have a problem with shifting the date.

However, as Lent doesn't end until mid March that means Christians too may object to INEC shifting the date to a day when Lent is still ongoing.

That means INEC will have to consider December 2026 or January 2027 for the Presidential elections.

This will likely mean that the dates for primaries will be earlier than planned. That will not help an opposition that is still trying to organise itself.