The social media trended over the weekend with dates when Nigeria’s general election was held while Christians observed the annual fasting period of 40 days, which is known as Lent.
This followed criticisms that trailed the dates for the 2027 general election that fell during the Islamic fasting period, Ramadan.
Several bodies and individuals, including the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), raised the objection to the timing of the elections, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) aligned with the dictates of the Constitution and Electoral Act.
INEC, headed by Professor Joash Amupitan, has promised to engage stakeholders over the issue.
Social media posts showed that elections have been held across several electoral cycles since the country returned the democratic rule in 1999.
2023 General Elections: Ash Wednesday was on February 22, 2023.
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The Presidential and National Assembly elections were held on February 25, 2023.
This was just three days after Lent began.
The Governorship and State House of Assembly elections were held on March 18, 2023 in the middle of the Lenten period.
2019 General Elections: Lent began on March 6, 2019.
The gubernatorial election was held on March 9, 2019, which was the first Saturday of Lent.
1999 General Elections: Lent began on February 17, 1999.
The presidential election was held on February 27, 1999 during the Lenten season.
