MURIC condemns INEC for fixing FCT elections during Ramadan

The Sokoto State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fix the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections for 21 February 2026, a date that falls within the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement issued in Sokoto, MURIC described the decision as insensitive, exclusionary and discriminatory against Nigerian Muslims, particularly residents of the FCT.

The group noted that Ramadan is a spiritually significant period for Muslims, marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, prayers and intense religious observances. According to MURIC, conducting elections during this period would impose undue hardship on Muslim voters, candidates, ad hoc electoral staff and security personnel, thereby limiting their ability to participate effectively in the electoral process.

MURIC stressed that Nigeria is a multi-religious and pluralistic society, adding that public institutions are constitutionally required to act with fairness and neutrality. The organisation argued that just as national elections are not typically scheduled on Christmas Day or other major Christian religious festivals, fixing elections in the heart of Ramadan is unjust and provocative.

The group further expressed concern that the decision reflects what it described as a troubling pattern that reinforces perceptions of institutional bias within INEC’s leadership. It claimed that such actions explain persistent calls by Muslims across the country for the removal of the current INEC Chairman over alleged failure to demonstrate religious balance, equity and sensitivity.

MURIC called on INEC to immediately review and shift the election date to a period outside Ramadan. It also urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to intervene to prevent avoidable religious tension.

In addition, the organisation appealed to civil society groups and religious leaders to speak out in defence of fairness, inclusion and national unity.

“Democracy must never be built on the marginalisation of any religious group,” the statement said, warning that any election conducted in a manner that disadvantages Muslims cannot be regarded as free, fair or credible.

The statement was signed by Dr Muhammad Mansur Aliyu, Esq., on behalf of the Sokoto State chapter of MURIC.