2027: Religion not legal, constitutional ground to shift Nigeria’s election – CAN, clerics, legal expert
Concerns Arise Over 2027 Election Date Coinciding with Religious Observances
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and various Islamic clerics have voiced concerns regarding the scheduling of the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20. This date falls within the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims and coincides with the Lenten season for Christians, raising significant discussion among stakeholders.
Christian Perspective on Civic Duty
Daniel Atori, Media Aide to the Niger State Chairman of CAN, emphasized that the Lenten fasting period has not historically hindered Christians from voting in Nigeria. In an exclusive interview, Atori stated that Christians typically prioritize civic responsibilities alongside their religious observances. “We are first Nigerians,” he said, asserting that spiritual practices do not prevent electoral participation.
Atori highlighted previous election cycles during Lent, noting that in the 2023 general elections, Ash Wednesday occurred shortly before the presidential and National Assembly elections. He referred to earlier instances in 1999 and 2019 where elections coincided with Lent, asserting that Christian participation remained strong.
Muslim Cleric Discusses Electoral Timing
Ibrahim El Mu’azzam, an Islamic cleric and Founder of the El-Mu’azzam Foundation based in Kaduna, addressed the implications of elections during Ramadan. He stated that while there is no religious prohibition against voting in this period, practical concerns may arise, such as decreased energy levels among fasting Muslims during the day.
El Mu’azzam acknowledged that although enthusiastic participation may be lower, he does not anticipate a significant decline in voter turnout. He urged Muslim citizens to view civic responsibilities as crucial, emphasizing the importance of leadership for community welfare and security.
Legal Framework Governing Election Scheduling
Barrister Usman Yau, a legal practitioner in Jigawa State, asserted that religious considerations do not provide legal grounds for altering the 2027 election date set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Citing the Electoral Act of 2022, Yau stated that INEC has the constitutionally mandated authority to schedule election dates without external approval.
Yau noted that while social implications may arise from conducting elections during Ramadan, the legal provisions do not accommodate religious considerations as a valid reason for postponement. He mentioned that while discussing turnout issues, particularly among women and election workers, the legal framework remains unchanged.
Public Response to Election Scheduling
Some community members have expressed dissatisfaction with INEC’s decision. Zulaihat Danjuma, a resident of Kano, criticized the commission for its apparent lack of sensitivity to cultural dynamics, suggesting that approval for such scheduling should involve broader stakeholder consultation.
The INEC announced the election date last Friday, igniting debate among various stakeholders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who raised concerns regarding potential voter suppression during Ramadan.
In response to these concerns, INEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process, indicating that it would consult further to address legitimate concerns while adhering to constitutional requirements.
As the election date approaches, the discussion continues on how best to accommodate the varied religious practices and civic responsibilities of Nigeria’s diverse population.
