Ramadan and the 2027 Polls: Bashir Ahmad Asks INEC to Rethink Election Dates

By: Oluwaseun Lawal

The 2027 election calendar is out. But not everyone is comfortable with it.

Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take a second look at the timetable. His concern? Ramadan.

INEC recently announced that presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 20, 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls are set for March 6, 2027. The announcement was made in Abuja by the commission’s chairman, Joash Amupitan. Straightforward. Official. Done.

But shortly after, Ahmad took to X with what he described as a respectful observation.

He pointed out that both dates fall within the Muslim holy month of Ramadan — a period when millions of Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, increase prayers, and focus deeply on spiritual reflection. It’s not just routine religion. It’s intense. It demands energy. And discipline.

According to him, scheduling national elections during such a period could unintentionally affect turnout. Many Muslims, he noted, scale back physically demanding activities while fasting. Long queues under the sun. Hours at polling units. It can be exhausting, especially without food or water.

Ahmad’s argument is simple: if the goal is full and inclusive participation, timing matters. With Nigeria’s sizeable Muslim population, he believes it may be wise to reconsider the dates to avoid possible voter apathy or difficulty.

He isn’t accusing. He isn’t attacking. Just asking for a rethink.

Now the ball, perhaps, is in INEC’s court.