BY EDMOND ODOK – Former Vice-President and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar has taunted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of being incapable of conducting proper polls, if it cannot properly handle “something as basic as choosing a broadly acceptable date” for the 2027 general elections.
Raising concerns over the just released elections timetable, Atiku urged INEC to reconsider the February 20, 2027, and March 6, 2027 election dates given that they fall within Ramadan, a sacred season of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.
Seriously warning the Commission against mishandling such an important national assignment, Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), wrote in a post on his Facebook page, that if the issue of timing is not well handled by INEC, “what assurance do we have that it will competently deliver free, fair, and credible elections in 2027”.
The ADC stalwart further said: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must urgently reconsider the February 20, 2027 date it has announced for the general elections. 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.
“Elections are not mere administrative rituals; they are national exercises that demand maximum participation, physical endurance, and collective focus.”
According to him: “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.
“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.”
Hammering on the seriousness of the issue at hand, ADC Presidential hopeful said, “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?”
