Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reconsider the February 20, 2027 date set for Nigeria’s next presidential election, citing concerns that it coincides with the holy month of Ramadan....Click to Read Full Article Here>>

In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed concern over what he described as a lack of sensitivity in fixing a nationwide election during a period of religious observance for millions of Nigerian Muslims.

According to Atiku, the scheduled date falls within the anticipated Ramadan period in 2027, projected to run from February 7 to March 8. Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, and spiritual reflection. He argued that holding elections during this time could impose additional physical and mental strain on voters observing the fast.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must urgently reconsider the February 20, 2027 date it has announced for the general elections,” Atiku stated. He noted that the date “falls squarely within the Ramadan period… a sacred season of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.”

Atiku emphasized that elections in Nigeria typically involve long hours at polling units, extended waiting times, and, in some regions, exposure to harsh weather conditions. He said these factors could discourage participation among fasting voters and potentially affect turnout.

“Elections are not mere administrative rituals; they are national exercises that demand maximum participation, physical endurance, and collective focus,” he wrote. “Fixing such a critical civic exercise in the middle of a major religious observance reflects poor judgment and a troubling lack of sensitivity to the nation’s socio-religious realities.”

Nigeria is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic country where electoral planning often takes into account national holidays, security concerns, and logistical factors. Atiku argued that inclusive planning should remain central to the electoral body’s preparations, particularly in a country with deep religious diversity.

He further questioned the electoral commission’s judgment, suggesting that scheduling conflicts of this nature raise broader concerns about preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

“In a diverse country like Nigeria, inclusive planning is not optional, it is fundamental,” Atiku stated. “If INEC struggles with getting a simple matter of timing right, Nigerians are justified in asking: What assurance do we have that it will competently deliver free, fair, and credible elections in 2027?”

INEC had announced on Friday that the presidential and National Assembly elections would be held on February 20, 2027, in line with constitutional and statutory timelines governing the conduct of elections in Nigeria. While the commission has indicated that its schedule aligns with legal requirements, Atiku’s intervention has introduced a fresh dimension to the conversation around the electoral calendar.

Election scheduling has historically been a sensitive matter in Nigeria, where voter turnout and public confidence in the process are critical indicators of democratic health. Political observers note that any perception of exclusion or disadvantage could influence participation levels and political discourse ahead of the polls.

Atiku’s call for a review may prompt further engagement between stakeholders, including political parties, religious leaders, and civil society organizations, on the suitability of the proposed date. Whether INEC will adjust the timetable remains to be seen.

As preparations for the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum, debates over logistics, inclusivity, and credibility are expected to intensify. The decision on the election date could have broader implications for voter participation and public trust in the electoral process. ...Click to Read Full Article Here>>

A former aide to the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has asserted that only two prominent Nigerian politicians have the capacity to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election....Click to Read Full Article Here>>

Salihu Tanko Yakasai, who previously served as Ganduje’s media spokesman, identified former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former President Goodluck Jonathan as the only figures with the political strength and nationwide appeal to mount a serious challenge against the incumbent. His remarks add to the growing debate surrounding the 2027 race and the future of Nigeria’s opposition politics.

Speaking during a recent interview where he addressed developments within party structures, the condition of opposition forces, and political sentiments in northern Nigeria, Yakasai argued that the next presidential contest will largely depend on whether opposition parties can rally behind a single candidate. According to him, fragmentation among opposition groups would significantly reduce their chances of defeating the ruling APC.

Yakasai maintained that Atiku Abubakar remains the most formidable challenger if opposition leaders agree to unite behind his candidacy. He noted that the former vice president continues to enjoy substantial support across the northern states and retains the political machinery necessary to mobilize voters.

In his view, Atiku’s long-standing political presence and established networks give him a strategic advantage, particularly in northern Nigeria, where electoral numbers often play a decisive role in national outcomes. Yakasai suggested that a consolidated opposition effort led by Atiku could generate strong voter turnout against President Tinubu.

Beyond Atiku, Yakasai also highlighted former President Goodluck Jonathan as another political heavyweight capable of altering the electoral landscape should he decide to re-enter the race. He described Jonathan as a figure who could attract cross-regional support and appeal to diverse political blocs.

According to Yakasai, Jonathan’s potential candidacy would resonate with multiple interest groups across the country, owing to his previous experience in office and perceived national appeal. He further pointed out that Jonathan, having served a single elected term, could present himself as a unifying option in a polarized political environment.

The former APC spokesman also addressed what he described as growing dissatisfaction in parts of northern Nigeria. He alleged that many residents in the region feel sidelined despite their significant contribution to President Tinubu’s electoral victory in 2023.

Yakasai claimed that concerns over federal appointments and the distribution of development projects have fueled a sense of discontent among some northern stakeholders. While he did not provide specific examples, he argued that perceptions of imbalance could weaken the APC’s standing if left unaddressed.

Nigeria’s political history has shown that regional sentiment often plays a crucial role in presidential elections. Analysts note that voter alignment in the North, which comprises 19 states, can substantially influence the national outcome. In this context, Yakasai’s comments reflect broader conversations about coalition-building, zoning arrangements, and power dynamics ahead of 2027.

He emphasized that the opposition’s success will ultimately hinge on unity. Without a consensus candidate capable of consolidating votes across regions and party lines, he warned, President Tinubu and the APC would likely retain a strategic advantage.

As political actors begin positioning themselves for the next electoral cycle, discussions around possible alliances and consensus candidates are expected to intensify. The coming months may reveal whether opposition parties can overcome internal divisions and present a united front.

In summary, Yakasai’s remarks underscore the importance of coalition politics in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape. With 2027 still some distance away, the strength of opposition unity, regional sentiment, and candidate selection will remain central to shaping the outcome of the next presidential election. ...Click to Read Full Article Here>>

A member of the House of Representatives representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Ojotu Ojema, has suggested that affiliation with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could shape access to certain opportunities under President Bola Tinubu’s administration....Click to Read Full Article Here>>

Ojema made the remarks while addressing members of the National Association of Agatu Students. He urged constituents, particularly young people, to obtain APC membership cards, arguing that political alignment may affect who benefits from future government programmes.

The lawmaker, who was elected in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before defecting to the APC in 2025, stated that joining the ruling party could improve constituents’ chances of accessing jobs and admission opportunities.

According to him, with a majority of state governors reportedly aligned with the APC, it would be strategic for residents of his constituency to identify with the party. He further claimed that party membership could influence consideration for employment or educational opportunities tied to federal initiatives.

Ojema also referenced the National Identification Number (NIN), implying that political association might play a role in how individuals are considered for certain benefits — a statement likely to spark debate.

His comments come at a time of heightened public discussion around governance, fairness in public sector recruitment, and the growing requirement of NIN for official processes nationwide.

The remarks have since generated reactions, as Nigerians continue to call for transparency and equal access to opportunities regardless of political affiliation. ...Click to Read Full Article Here>>