By Bayo Wahab
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have taken opposing positions over the 2027 basic election timetable launched by the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC).
In a press release issued on Friday and signed by the get together’s Nationwide Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC welcomed INEC’s decision to repair February 20, 2027, for the presidential and Nationwide Meeting elections.
“The African Democratic Congress, ADC, notes the announcement by the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee, INEC, fixing February 20, 2027, for the presidential and Nationwide Meeting elections,” the assertion mentioned.
The get together described the early launch of the election timetable as a optimistic growth for the political course of.
“We welcome the early launch of the timetable, which offers political events, stakeholders, and the Nigerian citizens with wanted readability for long-term planning and democratic preparation,” the assertion added.
Nonetheless, hours after the get together’s place was made public, Atiku, a number one determine throughout the ADC, issued a separate assertion rejecting the date, saying it falls throughout the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
“The Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee should urgently rethink the February 20, 2027 date it has introduced for the overall elections,” Atiku mentioned.
“That date falls squarely throughout the Ramadan interval (February 7 — March 8, 2027), a sacred season of fasting, reflection, and non secular devotion for tens of millions of Nigerian Muslims.”
He argued that conducting elections in the course of the interval might hinder participation and undermine the credibility of the train.
“Elections are usually not mere administrative rituals; they’re nationwide workout routines that demand most participation, bodily endurance, and collective focus,” he mentioned.
“Fixing such a vital civic train in the midst of a serious non secular observance displays poor judgment and a troubling lack of sensitivity to the nation’s socio-religious realities,” Atiku added.
He additional warned that the difficulty raised broader issues concerning the preparedness of the electoral physique.
“In a various nation like Nigeria, inclusive planning just isn’t non-obligatory, it’s basic. One thing as primary as selecting a broadly acceptable date shouldn’t be mishandled,” he mentioned.
“If INEC struggles with getting a easy matter of timing proper, Nigerians are justified in asking what assurance we have now that it’s going to competently ship free, truthful and credible elections in 2027.”
The put up Ramadan: Atiku, ADC disagree over INEC timetable for 2027 election appeared first on Vanguard News.
