Former Buhari aide says elections fixed for February 20 and March 6, 2027 may limit Muslim voter participation during the holy month of Ramadan

A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, has appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reconsider the timetable for the 2027 general elections, warning that the proposed dates could pose challenges for Muslim voters as they fall within the holy month of Ramadan.

INEC, through its Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, on Friday released the official timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 polls. According to the announcement, the Presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for Saturday, February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, March 6, 2027.

The dates coincide with Ramadan, which is expected to begin around February 8, 2027, and end between March 8 and March 10, subject to moon sighting. The period is marked by daytime fasting, extended prayers, and heightened spiritual devotion among Muslims.

Reacting via his verified X account (@BashirAhmaad), Ahmad described his intervention as a “respectful observation” aimed at promoting inclusiveness and broad participation in the democratic process.

“This is a respectful observation following the announcement of February 20th and March 6th, 2027, as the dates for the next Presidential and National Assembly, and Governorship and State Assembly elections respectively,” he wrote.

“The proposed dates fall within the holy month of Ramadan, a period during which many Muslims devote significant time to fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection.”

Ahmad argued that if INEC’s objective is to ensure full and inclusive voter participation, holding nationwide elections during Ramadan could create difficulties for a significant segment of the population.

“Many Muslims tend to reduce engagement in demanding worldly activities during this period in order to focus on their religious obligations,” he noted.

Highlighting Nigeria’s sizeable Muslim population, the former aide called on the electoral body to reconsider the timing of the polls in the interest of convenience, inclusiveness, and national cohesion.

“Given the significant Muslim population in this country, it may be worthwhile to reconsider the timing to ensure broader participation and convenience for all citizens. I hope this observation will be taken in the spirit of inclusiveness and national cohesion,” he added.

Ahmad, who served as Senior Special Assistant on New Media and Digital Communications to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, stressed that his appeal was constructive rather than confrontational.

The comment quickly gained traction across traditional and social media platforms, sparking wider discussions about the overlap between religious observances and civic responsibilities. Some commentators also pointed out that the election period coincides with the Christian Lenten season, raising broader questions about accommodating faith-based observances in national scheduling.

INEC has yet to issue a public response to the appeal. The commission, however, described the early release of the 2027 timetable as a landmark step designed to give political parties, civil society organisations, and voters ample time to prepare.

In a follow-up post, Ahmad clarified that even if the dates remain unchanged, supporters would still mobilise to participate actively in the elections, including backing the re-election of President Bola Tinubu on February 20, 2027.