Odita Sunday 
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), requesting the postponement of the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, due to the Ramadan fast.
Explaining the party’s position, the National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement said the request was contained in a letter dated January 22, 2026, and signed by the party’s National Chairman, Senator David A. B. Mark, and National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
He said “the scheduled election date falls within the period of the Ramadan fast, which is likely to be observed by a significant portion of the electorate in the Federal Capital Territory.”
Abdullahi added 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.
According to him, the party therefore urged INEC to “postpones the election to a date after the Ramadan period.”
He said the request was aimed at protecting inclusivity in the electoral process, noting that it was made “in pursuit of an inclusive electoral process that enables all eligible citizens, irrespective of faith, to fully exercise their constitutional rights without constraint or disadvantage.”
Abdullahi explained that the party’s engagement with the Commission was institutional and procedural, expressing its readiness to comply with due process.
He said the ADC also requested “guidance on the procedural requirements for submitting a formal application in accordance with the Electoral Act, the Constitution, and the Commission’s guidelines.”
He added that electoral legitimacy is enhanced when processes are designed to encourage broad participation and reflect sensitivity to social and religious realities.
According to him, the party will continue to advocate for electoral arrangements that put citizens first, respect diversity and reinforce public confidence in democratic institutions.
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