The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, citing the Ramadan fast.
In a letter dated January 22, 2026, the party said the proposed election date coincides with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, a period observed by a significant proportion of voters in the FCT.
The letter was jointly signed by the ADC National Chairman, Senator David A. B. Mark, and the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
The party noted that holding the election during Ramadan could limit voter participation, stressing that the request was made in the interest of inclusivity and democratic fairness.
According to the letter, “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 reconsider the election date.
The ADC therefore appealed to INEC to reschedule the election to a date after Ramadan to enable all eligible voters to exercise their constitutional rights without constraint or disadvantage.
The party also clarified that its engagement with the Commission was institutional and procedural, expressing readiness to comply with all legal and administrative requirements.
It further requested guidance from INEC on the formal process for submitting an application for postponement in line with the Electoral Act, the Constitution and the Commission’s guidelines.
In a statement, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party believes electoral legitimacy is strengthened when election management processes reflect sensitivity to the social and religious realities of the electorate.
He added that the party remains committed to advocating electoral arrangements that promote broad participation, respect diversity and enhance public confidence in democratic institutions.
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