Nigeria: ADC Seeks Postponement of FCT Council Polls Over Ramadan

25 January 2026
Daily Trust (Abuja)
By Baba Martins

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections because it coincides with the Ramadan fast.

INEC had last year scheduled the FCT area council election for Saturday, 21 February 2026.

But in a statement on Saturday, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, said the letter 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 letter to INEC was 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.

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In the letter, 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 said, "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 postpones the election to a date after the Ramadan period."

The ADC also made clear that its engagement with the Commission was institutional and procedural, noting its willingness to comply fully with due process, and requesting "guidance on the procedural requirements for submitting a formal application in accordance with the Electoral Act, the Constitution, and the Commission's guidelines."

"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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