The scheduling of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections on February 20—coinciding with both the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the Christian observance of Lent—has sparked mixed reactions from religious leaders, legal experts, and the public.
Daniel Atori, Media Aide to the Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), emphasized that Lent has never deterred Christians from voting. “Whether Christians or not, we are first Nigerians,” he told DAILY POST, noting that elections have historically fallen during the Lenten period. Atori cited multiple examples, including the 1999, 2019, and 2023 elections, where Christians participated fully despite the fasting season. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to focus on constitutional mandates rather than religious sentiments.
An Islamic perspective on the timing came from Ibrahim El Mu’azzam, founder of the El-Mu’azzam Foundation in Kaduna. While acknowledging that fasting during Ramadan can affect energy levels, he stressed that Islam does not forbid voting during the holy month. “Muslims will still come out to vote, but the level of enthusiasm and sustained presence at polling units may be slightly lower due to fasting,” he said. He encouraged INEC to consult major Islamic bodies to ensure inclusivity.
Legal experts, however, caution that religion is not a legal basis for altering the election timetable. Barrister Usman Yau of Jigawa State explained that under the Electoral Act 2022, INEC is empowered to fix or adjust election dates independently. “Religion cannot legally justify shifting an election timetable,” he said, citing the law’s provisions for postponement only under emergencies such as natural disasters or threats to security.
Public opinion remains divided. Zulaihat Danjuma, a Kano resident, criticized INEC for what she described as “cultural insensitivity,” warning that Muslim voters and election officials fasting during Ramadan may face added strain that could affect participation.
INEC, acknowledging the concerns, stated that the election timetable was drawn in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022. Through its National Commissioner, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission said consultations are ongoing and that any adjustments will remain within constitutional and legal boundaries, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and credible elections.
The announcement of February 20 for the presidential and National Assembly elections, with governorship and State Assembly polls set for March 6, 2027, has therefore ignited a debate balancing religious observances, civic duty, and constitutional obligations.
Comments