![Hon. Festus Keyamo SAN arrives MMIA past 11:50 p.m. Feb 23 to lead oversight of Terminal 1 fire. Joined FAAN MD & team actively managing situation. Directed morning inspection Tuesday to guide restoration & confirm safety standards. Reaffirmed focus on passenger safety. Story: [link] #KeyamoMMIA #FireIncident #FAAN](https://fullcliphq.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mym-150x150.jpg "MMIA Fire: Keyamo Inspects Lagos Airport After Terminal 1 Blaze Disrupts Flights")
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally requested the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, citing the overlap with the Ramadan fasting period.
In a letter to INEC signed by National Chairman Senator David Mark and National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and released through National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullah on Saturday, January 24, the party highlighted that the election date coincides with Ramadan, “which is likely to be observed by a significant portion of the electorate in the Federal Capital Territory.” The statement emphasized the “profound cultural and religious significance” of the fasting month and argued that rescheduling would promote “robust and active participation in the democratic process by all eligible voters.”
ADC’s Position and Rationale
The ADC framed the request as a matter of inclusivity, ensuring no eligible citizen faces constraint or disadvantage due to faith observance. The party stressed its institutional and procedural approach, expressing willingness to comply with due process and seeking guidance from INEC on formal application requirements under the Electoral Act, the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and the commission’s guidelines.
“As a party committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, the ADC believes 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 statement read. “The party will continue to advocate for electoral arrangements that put citizens first, respect diversity, and reinforce public confidence in democratic institutions.”
Context of the FCT Area Council Elections
The FCT Area Council elections involve six councils: Abuja Municipal, Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali. They are governed under the Electoral Act 2022 and FCT-specific regulations, with INEC responsible for conducting them. The February 21, 2026 date was announced earlier in the electoral calendar.
Ramadan 2026 is projected to begin around February 18–19 and end around March 19–20 (exact dates depend on moon sighting), meaning the election would fall early in the fasting period—a time of reduced activity and increased religious observance for Muslims, who make up a significant portion of the FCT population.
Broader Implications
Postponement requests during religious periods are not unprecedented in Nigeria. Similar calls have been made in past elections overlapping Ramadan, Christmas, or other observances, with INEC sometimes adjusting dates to maximize turnout and avoid perceptions of exclusion.
In the same statement, the ADC also cautioned its supporters against “preaching the language of exceptionality” for presidential aspirants ahead of the party primaries in June 2026. It noted that holding the 2027 general elections in 2026—as occasionally proposed—would be a “double-edged sword,” challenging for opposition parties to heal internal divisions and prepare adequately, but potentially advantageous given public fatigue with the current APC administration.
INEC has not yet responded publicly to the ADC letter. Any decision on postponement would require formal review under the Electoral Act and consideration of logistical, security, and legal factors.
