The party said it formally communicated its position to INEC in a letter dated January 22, 2026, stressing its commitment to electoral arrangements that respect Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity.
The African Democratic Congress has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to reschedule the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections to avoid the Ramadan fasting period, citing the need to protect inclusiveness and broad participation in the electoral process.
The party said it formally communicated its position to INEC in a letter dated January 22, 2026, stressing its commitment to electoral arrangements that respect Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity.
INEC had fixed the FCT Area Council elections for Saturday, February 21, 2026, a date that coincides with the Ramadan fasting period observed by Muslim faithful worldwide.
ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.
Abdullahi explained that the letter underscored the party’s concern that holding the polls during Ramadan could affect participation by a significant portion of the electorate.
He said, “In the letter dated 22 January 2026 and signed by the National Chairman of the party, Senator David A. B. Mark, and the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the party drew the attention of the Commission to the fact that ‘the scheduled election date falls within the period of the Ramadan fast, which is likely to be observed by a significant portion of the electorate in the Federal Capital Territory.’”
“The ADC noted in the letter that, given the profound cultural and religious significance of this period, and in the interest of robust and active participation in the democratic process by all eligible voters, it was necessary to request a reconsideration of the election date.”
“The party, therefore, respectfully asked that INEC postpone the election to a date after the Ramadan period.”
“The letter further emphasised that the request was guided by the need to protect inclusivity in the electoral process, stating that it was made in pursuit of an inclusive electoral process that enables all eligible citizens, irrespective of faith, to fully exercise their constitutional rights without constraint or disadvantage.”
The ADC clarified that its engagement with the Commission was formal and procedural.
It said the party was ready to follow due process and sought guidance on the requirements for submitting a formal application in line with relevant laws and guidelines.
It added, “As a party committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, the ADC believes that electoral legitimacy is enhanced when processes are designed to encourage broad participation and reflect sensitivity to the social and religious realities of the electorate.”
“The party will continue to advocate for electoral arrangements that put citizens first, respect diversity, and reinforce public confidence in democratic institutions.”
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