Ramadan Impacts Voter Turnout in FCT Elections

Bashir Ahmad, a former media aide to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, has linked the low voter turnout in the recently concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections to the observance of Ramadan. He noted that during Ramadan, daily routines are adjusted, leading to reduced physical movement during fasting hours and an increased focus on spiritual activities.

Ahmad emphasized that these factors significantly impacted voter turnout across several polling units. He urged stakeholders to call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to review the dates already announced for the next year's general elections, which are scheduled to occur during Ramadan.

This is particularly concerning for the governorship and state assembly elections, which will take place just two days after Eid el-Fitr. Ahmad stressed that civic responsibility remains paramount, regardless of the timing of elections, and that sensitivity to major religious observances could help boost voter turnout and enhance overall democratic participation.