The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) requesting the postponement of the Federal Capital Territory Council elections currently scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026 due to the Ramadan fast.
This year's Ramzan fast is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and end on Thursday, March 19, 2026, a BusinessDay check shows.
It was also revealed that the ADC, in a letter dated 22 January 2026 signed by the party's National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, drew the attention of the Commission to the fact that “the scheduled election date falls within the Ramadan fasting period, which is likely to be observed by a significant portion of the electorate in the Federal Capital Territory.”
The ADC also said 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 asks that INEC “postpone the elections to a date after the Ramadan period.”
The letter further emphasized 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, regardless of faith, to fully exercise their constitutional rights without hindrance or disadvantage.”
The ADC also clarified that its engagement with the Commission was institutional and procedural, noting its desire to fully follow due process, and requested “guidance on the procedural requirements for submitting formal applications in accordance with the Electoral Act, the Constitution and the Commission's guidelines”.
“As a party committed to strengthening Nigeria's democracy, 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”, it added.
However, the party said it “will continue to advocate for electoral systems that put citizens first, respect diversity and strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions”.
