Atiku Accuses INEC of Anti-Muslim Plot Over 2027 Election Date after noticing that the scheduled days for the polls fall right in the middle of the holy month of Ramadan. The former Vice President didn’t hold back when he took to his X account to voice his concerns about the newly released 2027 election timetable. According to him, the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fix such critical dates during a period of deep religious devotion is not just a mistake; it feels like a calculated move to keep people away from the polls.
A Clash Between Civic Duty and Sacred Fasting
The controversy started after INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced on Friday that the presidential and National Assembly elections would take place on February 20, 2027. This was followed by the governorship and state assembly polls on March 6, 2027.
For many Nigerian Muslims, these dates are a major red flag. Current projections show that Ramadan, the month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, is expected to run from roughly February 7 to March 8, 2027. This means that both major election days would happen while millions of voters are observing their fast. Atiku pointed out that elections in Nigeria are physically demanding, often requiring people to stand in long queues under the sun for hours. He argued that asking citizens to do this while fasting is “insensitive” and could seriously dampen voter participation across the country.
Questioning INEC’s Administrative Competence
In his reaction, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate questioned why a sensitive body like INEC would overlook something as fundamental as the religious calendar of a major part of the population. He noted that in a “plural society” like Nigeria, inclusive planning should be at the heart of every decision.
”Elections demand extensive participation, physical stamina, and nationwide focus,” Atiku stated.
By pushing ahead with these dates, he suggested that INEC is showing a “troubling lack of sensitivity” to the nation’s realities. His narrative is gaining ground among his supporters, who feel that the commission should have been more careful to ensure every Nigerian can vote comfortably without choosing between their faith and their civic responsibility.
The Domino Effect on Party Primaries
The concerns don’t stop at just the voting days. INEC also fixed the window for party primaries between May 22 and June 20, 2026. Political analysts are already pointing out that the entire 2027 road map seems rushed. Atiku’s supporters argue that if the foundation of the election, the timetable, is already causing friction and appearing biased against a religious group, it might hurt the “democratic credibility” of the entire process before it even begins.
What Happens Next?
As it stands, the ball is back in INEC’s court. While the commission hasn’t officially responded to the “anti-Muslim plot” allegations, the pressure is mounting from various quarters to shift the dates by just a few weeks. For Atiku and his team, this is about more than just convenience; it’s about ensuring that the 2027 polls are fair, inclusive, and accessible to everyone, regardless of their religious obligations.
Whether INEC will stick to its guns or move the dates to after the Eid celebrations remains to be seen, but the conversation around the 2027 elections has certainly taken a sharp, religious turn.
