A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to review and possibly shift the proposed dates for the 2027 general elections, warning that the scheduled February 20 (Presidential & National Assembly) and March 6 (Governorship & State Assembly) polls fall squarely within the month of Ramadan 2027, which could significantly affect Muslim voter turnout, religious observance and overall electoral participation.
In a statement posted on his verified X account on Friday, February 13, 2026, Bashir Ahmad who served as Digital Media Aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari wrote: “The proposed 2027 election dates overlap with Ramadan. Fasting Muslims may face serious challenges voting during long fasting hours, heat, and religious obligations. INEC must reconsider these dates to ensure full and inclusive participation. Democracy thrives when every eligible citizen can exercise their right without undue hardship.”
He urged the electoral body to consult religious leaders, particularly the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), as well as other stakeholders, before finalizing the timetable.
Ramadan 2027 is projected to begin around February 18–19, 2027 and end around March 19–20, 2027 (depending on moon sighting), meaning the presidential/National Assembly election on February 20 falls on the second or third day of Ramadan, while the governorship/State Assembly poll on March 6 falls roughly in the middle of the fasting month.
Muslim voters, who constitute a significant portion of the electorate (especially in the North), traditionally observe dawn-to-dusk fasting, attend extra prayers (Tarawih), and participate in community iftar and religious activities, which could reduce turnout or create logistical challenges on polling days.
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INEC released the timetable on February 13, 2026, stating the dates were fixed in line with constitutional provisions (Section 76(2) & 116(2) of the 1999 Constitution) requiring elections to hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of current terms.
Muslim groups: The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and some state chapters of the NSCIA have supported the call for review, describing the overlap as “avoidable hardship.”
Christian groups: CAN has not yet commented officially, but some leaders have called for sensitivity to both faiths in election scheduling.
INEC: No immediate response to Bashir Ahmad’s statement, but the commission has previously said election dates are constitutionally guided and any change would require legislative amendment or exceptional circumstances.
Political parties: Mixed some opposition figures have echoed the concern, while ruling APC sources say “elections cannot be shifted for religious reasons alone.”
The debate has reignited discussions on the intersection of religion, culture and electoral logistics in Nigeria’s multi-faith society.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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