The Sokoto State chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to fix the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections for February 21, 2026, a date that falls within the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Sunday, MURIC described the decision as insensitive, exclusionary, and discriminatory against Muslims, particularly residents of the FCT, noting that Ramadan is a sacred period devoted to fasting, prayers, and spiritual reflection by Muslims worldwide.
The group argued that conducting elections during Ramadan would impose undue hardship on Muslim voters, candidates, ad hoc electoral staff, and security personnel, many of whom would be fasting from dawn to sunset, thereby undermining their ability to participate effectively in the democratic process.
MURIC stressed that Nigeria is a multi-religious and pluralistic society where public institutions are constitutionally required to act with fairness, neutrality, and sensitivity to all citizens. It noted that major national elections are rarely scheduled on significant Christian religious festivals such as Christmas, describing the decision to fix elections “in the heart of Ramadan” as unjust and provocative.
The organisation further expressed concern that the development reflects what it called a recurring pattern of perceived institutional bias within INEC, reinforcing long-standing grievances among Muslims over what it described as a lack of religious balance and sensitivity in the commission’s leadership.
According to MURIC, the latest decision lends weight to persistent calls by Muslims across the country for urgent reforms within INEC to ensure equity, inclusion, and respect for Nigeria’s religious diversity.
The group called on INEC to immediately review and shift the election date to a period outside Ramadan, urging the Federal Government and the National Assembly to intervene swiftly to forestall avoidable religious tension. It also appealed to civil society organisations and religious leaders to speak out in defence of fairness, inclusion, and national unity.
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MURIC warned that democracy cannot thrive on the marginalisation of any religious group, insisting that any election conducted under conditions that disadvantage Muslims cannot be regarded as free, fair, or credible.
The organisation urged INEC to reverse the decision in the interest of justice, peace, and national cohesion.
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