Premium News
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not shift the date of the 2003 general election despite complaints by Catholic bishops over a clash with Easter.
INEC had announced in December 2002 that the 2003 general election would be held between April 12 and May 3.
On the timetable, the national assembly elections were scheduled for April 12, while the presidential and governorship elections were set for April 19, with state house of assembly polls to follow on May 3.
The April 19 date coincided with Holy Saturday, the day preceding Easter Sunday, a significant event on the Christian calendar.
In March 2003, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) described the scheduled date as “unacceptable” and urged INEC to reconsider.
The bishops argued that conducting elections on Holy Saturday would prevent many Christians from fully participating in their religious and civic obligations.
In a statement at the time, the conference said the decision demonstrated “insensitivity to the religious commitments of a large segment of the population”.
Advertisement
The bishops implored INEC to move the election in the spirit of inclusiveness and national harmony.
The protest sparked public debate over the need to balance electoral timelines with religious observances.
However, INEC did not alter the timetable, and the presidential and governorship elections were conducted on April 19 as earlier announced.
The state house of assembly elections were subsequently held on May 3 in line with the original schedule.
LIKE 2003, LIKE 2027
A similar debate has surfaced following INEC’s announcement of dates for the 2027 general election, with concerns raised about a possible clash with Ramadan.
Mohammed Haruna, national commissioner and chairman of the information and voter education committee of INEC, said the timetable was developed in strict compliance with extant laws and regulations.
Haruna added that any adjustment would remain consistent with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Editor’s note: The original story suggested that INEC had shifted the 2003 election date following a protest by Catholic bishops. However, while the commission acknowledged concerns from stakeholders at the time, the vote had proceeded as scheduled. Our error is regretted.
