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By Oscar Okhifo, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections slated for Saturday, February 21, 2026, citing concerns that the exercise coincides with the Muslim fasting period and may hinder widespread voter participation.
The opposition party said the proposed election date falls within the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which is observed by many residents of the FCT, and warned that holding the polls during the period could adversely affect turnout and full civic engagement.
In a letter dated January 22, 2026, jointly signed by the party’s National Chairman, Senator David A. B. Mark, and its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, the ADC drew INEC’s attention to the religious implications of conducting the elections during the fasting season.
According to the letter, “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 party noted that Ramadan holds deep cultural and religious significance for many FCT residents, adding that proceeding with the election as scheduled could limit the ability of voters to participate fully in the democratic process.
It stated 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,” there was a need for INEC to reconsider the timing of the polls.
Consequently, the ADC formally appealed to the Commission to adjust the election timetable, asking that INEC “postpones the election to a date after the Ramadan period.”
The party stressed that its request was guided by the principle of inclusivity, noting that the appeal 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.”
In the letter, the ADC also underscored that its engagement with INEC was institutional and procedural, reaffirming its readiness to comply with all legal requirements governing electoral processes.
It therefore sought clarification from the Commission, requesting “guidance on the procedural requirements for submitting a formal application in accordance with the Electoral Act, the Constitution, and the Commission’s guidelines.”
Reiterating its commitment to democratic values, the party said, “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.”
As at the time of filing this report, INEC had not publicly responded to the ADC’s request.