Concerns have emerged over the scheduling of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, coinciding with Ramadan for Muslims and Lent for Christians. However, religious leaders and legal experts have emphasized that religious observances cannot legally justify shifting the elections.
Daniel Atori, Media Aide to the Niger State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman stated that Lent has historically not hindered Christians from participating in elections.
“At times, elections have happened during Lent, and Christians have always participated fully,” Atori said, citing examples from the 2023, 2019, and 1999 general elections. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to follow constitutional provisions rather than religious concerns when setting election dates.
On the Muslim side, Ibrahim El Mu’azzam, an Islamic cleric in Kaduna and founder of the El-Mu’azzam Foundation, said that holding elections during Ramadan is not prohibited in Islam but could affect voters’ energy levels due to fasting.
“Muslims may feel physically weak during the day because of fasting,” he said, adding that while this might slightly reduce enthusiasm, it is unlikely to significantly impact voter turnout. He also recommended that INEC consult Islamic bodies such as Jama’atu Nasril Islam before finalizing dates to ensure inclusivity.
Legal expert Barrister Usman Yau from Jigawa State stressed that religion cannot legally justify postponing elections. “Under the Electoral Act 2022, INEC alone has the authority to fix or adjust election dates. Section 28 lists specific reasons for postponement, such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or security concerns. Religion is not included,” he explained.
Yau acknowledged that fasting could affect voter turnout, especially among women and election officials, but reinforced that Nigeria is a secular state and elections cannot be shifted for religious observances.
Public reactions have been mixed. Some Nigerians criticized INEC for scheduling elections during Ramadan. Zulaihat Danjuma, a resident of Kano, described it as culturally insensitive and said it may make voting challenging for Muslim voters and staff who are fasting.
The INEC had earlier announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on February 20, 2027, while governorship and State Assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027. The commission stated that it is aware of public concerns and is consulting stakeholders, stressing that any adjustments will remain within constitutional and legal limits. INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting transparent, inclusive, and credible elections.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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