Nigerian leaders have extended goodwill to both Christians and Muslims as the Christian season of Lent and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begin simultaneously on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
In a statement shared on Wednesday, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, described the concurrence of Lent and Ramadan as “a rare spiritual convergence to cherish and revere.”
He noted that, for the first time in many years, both sacred seasons begin on the same day, saying, “This rare coincidence is far more than a meeting of dates; it is a powerful symbol of shared sacrifice, reflection, and the possibility of national renewal at a time when our collective identity has been strained by ineffective governance.”
Obi highlighted that both seasons are marked by fasting, prayer, and thanksgiving, calling it a “Double Fast” — a divine invitation to transcend differences and rediscover shared humanity.
He urged Nigerians to use the period not only for prayer but also for action: “Let our fasting remind us of the suffering of our neighbours; let our prayers stand as a shield over our nation.
“May our sacrifices be accepted, and may this unique alignment usher in a lasting era of peace and unity across Nigeria. A Holy Lent and Ramadan Kareem to all.”
