A former media aide to late President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has attributed voter apathy in the recently concluded Federal Capital Territory, FCT, council elections to the timing of the exercise during the holy month of Ramadan.
Ahmad noted that Ramadan is typically marked by adjusted daily routines, reduced physical movement during fasting hours, and increased focus on spiritual activities.
According to him, these factors significantly affected voter turnout across several polling units.
He said the development has prompted stakeholders and observers to call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to review the dates already announced for next year’s general elections, which are also scheduled to take place during Ramadan.
Of particular concern, he said, is the scheduling of the governorship and State and National Assembly elections just two days before Eid el-Fitr, a period traditionally devoted to intense preparations, travel, family engagements, and heightened economic activities ahead of the celebration.
While emphasizing that civic responsibility remains paramount regardless of timing, Ahmad stressed that election scheduling sensitive to major religious observances could help boost voter turnout, inclusivity, and broader democratic participation.
Posting on X, he wrote: “One of the major factors that contributed to voter apathy in the just concluded FCT council elections was the timing within the holy month of Ramadan.
“For many residents, Ramadan comes with adjusted daily routines, reduced physical movement during fasting hours and increased focus on spiritual commitments.
“These realities, understandably, affected turnout across several polling units.
“This is why many stakeholders and observers are urging INEC to thoughtfully review the dates already announced for next year’s general elections, which will also fall within the Ramadan period.
“Of particular concern is the scheduling of the governorship and State/National Assembly elections just two days before Eid el-Fitr, a time traditionally dedicated to intense preparation, travel, family engagements and economic activities ahead of the celebration.
“While civic responsibility remains paramount regardless of timing, election scheduling that is sensitive to major religious observances could significantly enhance voter turnout, inclusivity and overall democratic participation.”
