Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reconsider the dates fixed for the 2027 general elections, citing a clash with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

INEC had announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections would be held on February 20, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls are scheduled for March 6, 2027. The commission said the timetable was drawn in compliance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

However, the dates have drawn criticism following projections that Ramadan will commence around February 8 and end about March 10, 2027, placing both election days within the fasting period observed by Muslims.

In a statement issued on Friday, Atiku described the February 20 presidential election date as falling “squarely within the Ramadan period,” noting that the season is marked by fasting, reflection and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.

He argued that elections require broad participation, physical stamina and collective focus, adding that scheduling the exercise during Ramadan demonstrates “poor judgment” and a lack of sensitivity to Nigeria’s socio-religious dynamics.

According to him, inclusive decision-making is vital in a plural society such as Nigeria, and fixing election dates that accommodate the interests of diverse groups reflects foresight and competence.

Atiku further questioned INEC’s preparedness for the 2027 polls, stating that if the commission “struggles with getting a simple matter of timing right,” Nigerians would be justified in demanding assurances of its ability to conduct free, fair and credible elections.

INEC has yet to respond publicly to the concerns raised over the election timetable.

Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on February 20, 2027.

The commission also fixed March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed the dates during a press conference in Abuja on Friday, February 13, 2026.

Earlier on Thursday, Amupitan told the National Assembly that the commission would require N873.78 billion to conduct the 2027 general elections. He also said INEC would need an additional N171 billion to fund its routine operations in the 2026 fiscal year.

Presenting the commission’s budget proposal before the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters in Abuja, the INEC chairman described the proposed allocations as essential for election preparations and regular activities, including by-elections and off-season polls.

The proposed N873.78 billion represents a significant increase from the N313.4 billion released for the 2023 general elections.

According to INEC, the 2027 election budget will cover five major components: N379.75 billion for operations; N92.32 billion for administration; N209.21 billion for technology; N154.91 billion for capital expenditure; and N42.61 billion for miscellaneous expenses.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has said he believes he could be arrested at any moment by the Federal Government led by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

El-Rufai, now a leading figure in the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the statement during an interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday.

He alleged that the ruling party was mounting pressure on politicians to either defect to the APC or remain loyal to it, claiming that dissenting voices were being targeted.

The former governor, who has recently intensified his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the APC — the party under which he served two terms as governor of Kaduna State — said several of his former associates had already been detained.

“Four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested; so it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too,” El-Rufai said.

His remarks come amid the arrest and ongoing trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, developments that have further heightened political tensions in the country.

There has been no official response from the Federal Government or the APC regarding El-Rufai’s claims as of the time of filing this report.