A Nigerian clergyman has thrown his weight behind the Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to schedule the 2027 general elections during the Muslim fasting period, arguing that holding polls during such a sacred season could actually promote integrity and discourage electoral malpractice.
Sam Olu Alo, a Christian cleric, made the remarks on Monday, February 16, while speaking to journalists at Jesus City Camp along the Lekki/Epe Expressway in Lagos after the conclusion of his church’s 41-day annual fasting and prayer session.
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan had announced last Friday in Abuja that the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on February 20, 2027, with governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections scheduled for March 6, 2027.
The timetable drew criticism from some quarters, particularly the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, which raised concerns about the polls coinciding with Ramadan and possibly Eid al-Fitr.
But Alo dismissed the objections, saying the fasting period could serve as a moral guardrail for the electoral process.
“My advice is that in fasting we promote the truth, and that won’t give room for us to manipulate things. I am of the view that the election is okay during the fasting period because this will further assist us to prayerfully elect our next leaders,” he said.
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The cleric pointed out that elections had been held during Christian fasting periods in the past without generating similar controversy, and cautioned against turning the matter into a religious dispute.
“Why should we now make so much noise when it falls during the Muslim fasting period? I believe having the polls during fasting will even give us the opportunity to do things with the fear of God and not manipulate the elections. So, we shouldn’t use this to engage in religious discrimination,” he added.
Alo also disclosed that special prayers were offered for Nigeria during his church’s 41-day spiritual exercise.
He said prayers were said for individuals working toward the country’s progress and against those he described as working to undermine its peace and development.
The cleric urged INEC to stand by the announced timetable and called on Nigerians to channel their energy toward peaceful participation in the democratic process rather than allowing religious sentiments to dominate the conversation.