Connect with us

society

2027 polls: INEC consults over Ramadan overlap, promises equal access

Published

on

INEC Cancels Election In Kogi

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.”

 

2027 polls: INEC consults over Ramadan overlap, promises equal access

society

koloman’s: Daddy @pastorumoeno we’re still waiting for your benevolence sir

Published

on

koloman’s: Daddy @pastorumoeno we’re still waiting for your benevolence sir

 

@igosave @okonlagos @nedu_official @yawnaija @deehumorous @senatorcomedian @akwaibomstategovt

 

Continue Reading

society

Harmony Garden CEO Empowers Widows with Enhanced Welfare Support

Published

on

Harmony Garden CEO Empowers Widows with Enhanced Welfare Support

 

EPE, LAGOS — The Chief Executive Officer of Harmony Garden and Estate Development Limited, Hon. Dr. Saheed Audullahi Mosadoluwa, popularly known as Mr. Ibile, has reaffirmed his commitment to humanitarian service by extending increased welfare support to widows in Epe.

The gesture came during a visit by members of the Widows Association of Nigeria, Epe Branch, who gathered in large numbers on Tuesday to express appreciation for what they described as sustained generosity and life-changing support.

The engagement was marked by emotional testimonies, as several beneficiaries recounted how the initiative has improved their living conditions and restored hope. Many offered prayers for the philanthropist, describing his intervention as timely and impactful amid prevailing economic challenges.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Folorunsho Quadri, commended Dr. Mosadoluwa’s consistent support, noting that the initiative has helped restore dignity among widows in the community. She revealed that members receive ₦100,000 quarterly, alongside a monthly stipend recently increased from ₦10,000 to ₦20,000 to cushion the effects of economic hardship.

According to her, the assistance goes beyond financial relief, providing emotional strength and encouragement for widows striving to rebuild their lives.

Responding, Dr. Mosadoluwa expressed gratitude for the visit and reiterated that his philanthropic activities are rooted in a genuine desire to give back to society. He emphasized that true wealth lies in the positive impact one makes in the lives of others, adding that supporting vulnerable groups remains a core priority.

The real estate developer also addressed concerns surrounding Harmony Garden, assuring the public of the company’s commitment to transparency and integrity, particularly in its land transactions.

He dismissed speculations linking his humanitarian gestures to political ambitions, maintaining that his actions are driven solely by compassion and a sense of social responsibility.

Dr. Mosadoluwa further urged the widows to make judicious use of the support while remaining resilient and hopeful despite life’s challenges.

Observers say the initiative highlights the increasing role of private sector players in complementing government efforts toward social welfare and community development.

Harmony Garden and Estate Development Limited continues to expand its presence in Nigeria’s real estate sector, while strengthening its reputation as a socially responsible organisation dedicated to improving lives.

 

Harmony Garden CEO Empowers Widows with Enhanced Welfare Support

Continue Reading

society

We Die Here” – Court Defied as FGCKOSA Vows All-Out Fight to Save Federal Government College Kano Land

Published

on

We Die Here” – Court Defied as FGCKOSA Vows All-Out Fight to Save Federal Government College Kano Land

We Die Here” – Court Defied as FGCKOSA Vows All-Out Fight to Save Federal Government College Kano Land

 

 

The Federal Government College Kano Old Students Association (FGCKOSA) has issued a fiery declaration of war against what it calls the illegal encroachment on its alma mater’s land, accusing unnamed parties of continuing construction work in brazen defiance of a court order.

 

In a passionate press statement released on Wednesday, the association declared that the land of the historic unity school is “not for sale, not for trade, not for negotiation,” and vowed to fight “legally, socially, and institutionally” without retreat or surrender.

 

According to FGCKOSA, the association acted swiftly after the encroachment came to light, engaging the Federal Ministry of Education, mobilising across media platforms, and securing an ex parte court order in Suit No. K/323/2026 before Honourable Justice Ubale Yusuf Muhammad of the Kano State High Court. The order, served on all parties by Saturday, April 11, 2026, commanded an immediate halt to all activity on the land.

 

However, the association reports that on Monday, an officer of the Kano State High Court, accompanied by alumni members, visited the site and found workers still present. The court order was served directly to school authorities, yet, FGCKOSA alleges, work has continued unabated.

 

Describing the act as “a brazen, shameless, and reckless act of impunity,” the association’s national president, Shoyinka Shodunke, said in the statement: “This is not development. This is racketeering. This is not enterprise. This is greed masquerading as progress.”

 

The statement reminded Nigerians that unity schools are “cradles of leadership, crucibles of character, and cathedrals of national unity,” warning that to violate them is to “vandalise Nigeria’s future.” It called on citizens, the federal government, and the press to declare where they stand, noting that “nations do not collapse from a lack of gold; they collapse when those entrusted with power lose their moral compass.”

We Die Here” – Court Defied as FGCKOSA Vows All-Out Fight to Save Federal Government College Kano Land

FGCKOSA further announced that it has established a foundation to raise funds for upgrading the school’s infrastructure—but stressed that this would be done “without conceding a single inch of land.” The statement ended with a fierce vow drawn from the school’s anthem: “On that glorious day… I vow to revere and thee adore,” adding, “As we say in Nigeria, we die here.”

 

Shodunke signed off on behalf of the association, declaring: “We will not relent. We will not forget. We will not forgive any assault on our alma mater.”

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending