The announcement of dates for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sparked widespread reactions and criticism on social media.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, disclosed during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday that the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for February 20, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections will take place on March 6, 2027. According to him, the timetable was drawn in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
However, the proposed dates fall within the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which is expected to run from February 8 to about March 10, 2027, based on the 1448 AH Islamic calendar. This has raised concerns among citizens, particularly over inclusiveness and voter participation.
Reacting on X, former presidential media aide Bashir Ahmad warned that conducting elections during Ramadan could limit participation by a significant portion of the population, stressing that the timing may pose serious challenges. Public affairs analyst Hamma Hayatu also predicted that the dates would eventually be adjusted, noting that even the governorship election coincides with the Eid celebration.
Other users expressed stronger objections. Sarki accused the INEC chairman of bias, while Muwafaq Lawal questioned the feasibility of the election schedule. Aliyu ATK argued that large-scale participation and vote protection by Muslims during Ramadan would be unlikely, describing the plan as impractical.
Another user, Dr Bello MZ, described elections during Ramadan as unprecedented and unacceptable, insisting that the polls should be moved to either before or after the fasting period, as done in previous years.
The growing reactions have ignited a broader national debate on fairness, inclusiveness, and voter turnout ahead of the 2027 elections.
