society
2027 polls: INEC consults over Ramadan overlap, promises equal access
2027 polls: INEC consults over Ramadan overlap, promises equal access
The Independent National Electoral Commission has addressed concerns over its recently released Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election, particularly regarding the dates fixed for the conduct of the elections.
INEC had on Friday announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on February 20, 2027, while the governorship and state assembly polls will be held on March 6, 2027.
The commission also fixed party primaries between May 22 and June 20, 2026, for the nomination of candidates.
However, concerns have arisen from some Nigerians, especially Muslims, over the date of the general election, as they noted it falls within the holy month of Ramadan. They emphasised that the physical demands of fasting may impact voter turnout, logistical, observers and electoral officers’ efficiency.
Notable among the voices is a former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, who urged the commission to reconsider the February 20, 2027 date, citing concerns over its overlap with the Muslim fasting period of Ramadan.
In a post via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, Atiku said the proposed date falls “squarely within the Ramadan period (February 7 – March 8, 2027), a sacred season of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.”
A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, also urged INEC to reconsider the dates.
Tagging INEC, his post on X partly read: “If the intention is to encourage full and inclusive participation in the electoral process, scheduling such a critical national exercise during Ramadan may present challenges for a large segment of the population. Many Muslims tend to reduce engagement in demanding worldly activities during this period in order to focus on religious obligations.
“Given the significant Muslim population in this country, it may be worthwhile to reconsider the timing to ensure broader participation and convenience for all citizens.
“I do hope this observation will be taken in the spirit of inclusiveness and national cohesion.”
However, INEC, in a statement issued on Friday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the timetable was developed in strict compliance with the timelines contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.
Haruna stated that the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, in effect since 2019, fixed the dates elections are to be held.
He quoted paragraph two of the regulation as stating: “Election to the office of President and Vice President, as well as National Assembly, shall hold on the third Saturday of February of any general election year, while election to the office of Governor and Deputy Governor and the State Houses of Assembly shall hold two (2) weeks thereafter.”
He said, “Accordingly, and in faithful observance of these extant legal and regulatory provisions, the Commission fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections.
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Commission has taken due notice of concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances.
“The Commission wishes to assure the public that it remains sensitive to all legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections.”
He stressed that, in view of the developments, “the Commission is currently undertaking consultations and may, where necessary, seek appropriate legislative intervention to address the concerns raised, while ensuring that any adjustment remains consistent with constitutional and statutory requirements.
“INEC reiterates its unwavering commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election. The public will be duly informed of any further developments.”
CHETACHI NWOGA-ECTON EMPOWERS 300 WIDOWS IN IMO
A renowned humanitarian and proud daughter of Mbaise in Imo State, High Chief (Dr.) Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton, has empowered over 300 widows and vulnerable women across the Owerri Zone, in a remarkable demonstration of compassion and service to humanity.
The empowerment programme, which took place at the Palace of the Eze of Ngor Okpala, HRH Eze Engr. Fredrick Nwachukwu, brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, women groups and beneficiaries from different communities within the zone.
During the event, the widows received food materials and cash support, aimed at helping them meet basic needs and strengthen their small-scale businesses.
The initiative was widely applauded as a timely intervention to support women who often face severe economic hardship after losing their spouses.
Many of the beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation to High Chief (Dr.) Nwoga-Ecton, describing the empowerment as a lifeline that would help them take better care of their families.
Some widows, while offering prayers for the philanthropist, noted that the gesture had restored hope and dignity in their lives.
Fondly known as Ada Imo and Adaure, High Chief (Dr.) Princess Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton has earned widespread admiration for her consistent humanitarian efforts both within Nigeria and internationally.
Through her philanthropic activities and foundations, she has continued to support widows, children, and vulnerable communities with interventions in healthcare, welfare and economic empowerment.
Community stakeholders who attended the programme commended the Mbaise-born philanthropist for her generosity and dedication to uplifting the less privileged, noting that her actions reflect true leadership and compassion.
Observers say the initiative further reinforces her growing reputation as one of the most impactful humanitarians of this generation, whose commitment to humanity continues to inspire hope across Imo State and beyond.
UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF ACTING ADMIN KING OF THE UKA THRONE
March 6, 2026 – In a landmark royal decree, the Office of the Minister of Information & Culture of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) has announced the appointment of His Imperial Royal Eminence, King Sir Benny Terry Danson, as the Acting Admin King of the UKA Throne. The nomination was issued through an official directive from the UKA Throne and is intended to pave the way for King Sir Benny Terry Danson’s eventual ascension to the title of Official Emperor Admin of the Throne, subject to the completion of necessary formal and constitutional processes.
The UKA Throne emphasized that the appointment underscores its unwavering commitment to competence, dedication, and integrity as the guiding principles for all administrative functions within the government structure. Officials stated that the decision is a strategic move to reinforce national leadership and accelerate the kingdom’s vision of becoming a more efficient, progressive, and unified nation.
The new Acting Admin King will oversee initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth, improving public service delivery, and promoting collective national development among citizens and followers of the UKA. The government expressed deep appreciation for the continuous love, loyalty, and support shown by the populace, noting that public engagement is essential for the kingdom’s shared prosperity and advancement.
Further details regarding the formalization of the appointment, including ceremonial schedules and administrative timelines, will be released to the public in due course through official communication channels.
Report Highlights:
– Nominee: King Sir Benny Terry Danson, Acting Admin King.
– Objective: Transition toward becoming Official Emperor Admin of the UKA Throne.
– Focus: Strengthening governance through competence, dedication, and integrity.
– Impact: Expected to drive national efficiency, progress, and unity.
– Next Steps: Official ceremonies and constitutional procedures to follow.
society
Tinubu Appoints Reno Omokri, Femi Fani‑Kayode Among 65 Ambassadors in Strategic Diplomatic Deployment
Tinubu Appoints Reno Omokri, Femi Fani‑Kayode Among 65 Ambassadors in Strategic Diplomatic Deployment
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“Key Political Figures and Seasoned Diplomats Assigned to Strengthen Nigeria’s Global Presence.”
Former presidential aide Reno Omokri and ex‑Aviation Minister Femi Fani‑Kayode are among the most high‑profile names in President Bola Tinubu’s new ambassadorial postings approved on March 6, 2026. The president signed off on 65 ambassadorial assignments for non‑career and career diplomats, following Senate confirmation of nominees in December 2025.
Omokri is set to serve as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Mexico, while Fani‑Kayode will represent the country in Germany, reflecting Tinubu’s strategy of deploying well-known political figures to key diplomatic missions. Other notable postings include:
Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau – China
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim – Permanent Representative to the United Nations
Olufemi Adegbite – South Africa
Nuhu Ribadu – United Kingdom
Akinwumi Adesina – United States
Oluwafemi Adebayo – Canada
Hajia Fatima Isa – Australia
Ahmed Tijani – United Arab Emirates
Chukwuma Akabogu – France
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Germany
The postings, announced through a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also cover several other European and Middle Eastern capitals.
Officials say the broad diplomatic deployment aims to strengthen Nigeria’s global representation and foreign policy footprint amid evolving international dynamics, ensuring both political allies and seasoned diplomats advance national interests abroad.
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