Laden Salihu, Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has appealed for the postponement of the FCT Area Council elections during Ramadan, citing concerns over low voter turnout. He explained that the physical demands of fasting under intense heat could leave many voters fatigued and weak, ultimately affecting the credibility of the electoral process. The ADC’s request, formalized in a letter signed by its top leadership, emphasizes empathy and inclusivity for Muslim faithfuls participating in the elections while stressing that the appeal is not politically motivated.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Monday, Salihu said the period of Ramadan requires fasting from dawn to about six or seven in the evening, during which Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical comforts. He explained that this, combined with the intense heat during February and March, could make it physically challenging for voters to go through the long electoral process.
“During Ramadan, Muslim faithfuls observe fasting from dawn to about six or seven in the evening. In that period, the elements of fatigue, weakness, and frailty under the intense heat will be evident. Any Muslim going out to vote will be subjected to these conditions. The number of turnouts will be significantly low, to the extent that it may impinge ultimately on the credibility of the voters.”
He emphasized that the request for a delay is an appeal for understanding and not a tactic to gain political advantage. “It is just an appeal for Nigerians to understand and appreciate the exigencies, the difficulties, and the physical demands that Muslims will have to go through. The weather is intensely, almost unbearably hot, and people queue from early morning to go through the entire process of registration, voting, counting, and collation. It is only reasonable,” he said.
Addressing concerns that postponing the election could violate the rights of non-Muslim voters, Salihu said religion is a valid reason, not an excuse. He explained, “If elections can be postponed for other reasons, they can be postponed for religion. The letter is an appeal. We are not trying to enforce our own request on the independent national electoral commission or Nigerians. It is an appeal for INEC to understand the weaknesses and physical trauma Muslims face in fulfilling their civic responsibilities.”
He concluded by stressing that the request is rooted in empathy and respect for religious practices. “We’re just talking about empathy. We’re just talking about understanding. The attitude of live and let live as Nigerians, irrespective of our religious persuasions, should prevail.”
Through Laden Salihu, the ADC has urged INEC to consider the timing of the FCT council elections in light of Ramadan, highlighting the need for fairness, inclusivity, and the well-being of fasting voters. The conversation underscores the delicate balance between religious observance and civic duty in Nigeria’s electoral process, raising questions about how best to ensure maximum participation while respecting diverse religious practices.
Triumph Ojo
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