Atiku Kicks as INEC Fixes February 20, 2027 Presidential Election Date Within Ramadan

Pat Stevens/

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission for fixing February 20, 2027 as the date for Nigeria’s presidential election, saying the timing shows a “lack of sensitivity” because it falls within the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, announced the 2027 general election timetable, fixing the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections for March 6, 2027.

The announcement was made in compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, with the detailed timetable published on the Commission’s official website and circulated to political parties and stakeholders.

In an X post, Atiku said the presidential election 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,” he wrote. “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 former presidential candidate said the planned dates undermine inclusive planning in a religiously diverse country.

“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,” Atiku wrote on X.

He also challenged INEC’s capacity to deliver credible polls, adding, “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?”

At the announcement, INEC Chairman said the timetable release was in line with the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, which require the Commission to publish a Notice of Election not later than 360 days before an election date.

He said the detailed schedule of activities, including nomination deadlines and campaign periods, had been published to allow political parties and the electorate to prepare adequately.

INEC set out that the presidential and National Assembly polls will be held concurrently on February 20, 2027, followed two weeks later by the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on March 6, 2027.

The Commission said it has directed Resident Electoral Commissioners in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to publish the official Notice of Election in all constituencies and constituencies where elections will be held.

The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. Some political actors have welcomed the timetable but called for strengthened electoral processes, including real-time electronic transmission of results.

Analysts note that scheduling national elections during Ramadan, expected to begin in early February 2027, raises concerns about voter turnout and logistics in predominantly Muslim communities.

INEC has emphasised that its date selection complies with constitutional timelines but has not yet publicly responded to Atiku’s criticism.