The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections slated for Saturday, 21 February 2026, citing the Ramadan fast.
In a letter dated 22 January 2026, the party said the 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.”
The letter, signed by the ADC National Chairman, Senator David A. B. Mark, and the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, urged the Commission to reconsider the timing of the polls in order to safeguard voter participation.
According to the party, “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 for INEC to review the election timetable.
The ADC therefore requested that the Commission “postpones the election to a date after the Ramadan period,” stressing that the move would promote fairness and inclusivity.
The party further explained that the request 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.”
Emphasizing that its approach to INEC was institutional and procedural, the ADC said it was willing to comply with all legal requirements, adding that it had requested “guidance on the procedural requirements for submitting a formal application in accordance with the Electoral Act, the Constitution, and the Commission’s guidelines.”
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the party noted that “electoral legitimacy is enhanced when processes are designed to encourage broad participation and reflect sensitivity to the social and religious realities of the electorate.”
The ADC said it would continue to push for electoral arrangements that, “put citizens first, respect diversity, and reinforce public confidence in democratic institutions.”
The party’s position was conveyed in a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.