Atiku Abubakar says the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should “urgently” move the 2027 general election scheduled for February 20 to another date.
The electoral commission faced criticism on Friday after announcing the timetable for the 2027 polls.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, INEC chairman Joash Amupitan stated that the presidential and national assembly elections would take place on February 20, while the governorship and state houses of assembly elections are slated for March 6.
He explained that the dates were chosen in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
However, the scheduled dates coincide with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which is projected to begin on February 8, 2027, and conclude around March 10, according to the 1448 AH Islamic calendar.
The announcement sparked intense debate on X, with Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential media aide, noting that holding such an important national exercise during Ramadan could pose difficulties for a significant portion of the population.
In a statement on Friday, the former vice-president maintained that the election date falls squarely within the Ramadan period, which he described as a sacred time of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.
He stressed that elections are not merely administrative routines but national activities that require maximum participation, physical strength, and collective attention.
“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 statement reads.
He added that in a diverse country like Nigeria, inclusive planning is essential and not optional.
According to him, selecting a widely acceptable date should be handled with care, as it reflects 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 will competently deliver free, fair, and credible elections in 2027?” he queried.