Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the scheduling of activities for the 2027 general elections, describing the timetable as insensitive to Muslim faithful preparing for the Hajj pilgrimage.
The governor raised the concern on Wednesday during a farewell ceremony for intending pilgrims at the Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar Hajj Camp in Bauchi.
He said the timing of political party primaries coinciding with the Arafat period of the Hajj in Saudi Arabia would prevent many Muslim politicians and stakeholders from participating in the pilgrimage.
Mohammed argued that the electoral calendar failed to reflect Nigeria’s religious demographics, noting that a significant portion of the population is Muslim and would be affected by the clash.
“I am calling on NAHCON to please look at what the Speaker has said. Most of us cannot travel and it is very insensitive for all the electoral guidelines, the Electoral Act, not to take into cognisance the period of Hajj because majority of Nigerians are Muslims and they are travelling and nobody took care of this,” he said.
“Almost the day that we will have our Arafat is the day most political parties will have their primaries. This is unacceptable.”
He called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and INEC to review the timetable to allow Muslim politicians and intending pilgrims to fulfil their religious obligations.
Mohammed stressed that his appeal was not political but based on religious and social considerations affecting a large segment of Nigerians.
“This plea is done in good faith not because of politics, but to remind our leaders that we have an obligation to our teeming Muslim population,” he said.
The governor also urged pilgrims to use the spiritual journey to pray for peace, security, economic progress, and national unity.
“Most importantly, I urge you to remember us in your prayers, pray for your families, your communities, Bauchi State, our dear country, our leaders at the state level and of course, even our President,” he added.
He further encouraged the pilgrims to show compassion and support for one another during the Hajj exercise, particularly assisting the elderly and vulnerable.
“Be kind to one another and extend support to fellow pilgrims, especially the elderly and those who may require assistance. Let your actions reflect the true values of Islam through humility and compassion,” he stated.
