The National Assembly has announced that it will cut short its recess to reconvene plenary sessions on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as lawmakers prepare to make significant decisions regarding the 2027 presidential election. Reports indicate that the presidential poll may now be shifted to February 13, 2027, instead of the previously scheduled February 20.
In a notice from the Clerk of the National Assembly, senators and members of the House of Representatives were instructed to resume sessions at 11:00 am and adjust their schedules accordingly, citing the importance of decisions expected during the meeting.
Sources within the National Assembly have revealed that the extraordinary session is primarily aimed at reviewing the 2027 election date, in response to concerns that the original schedule coincides with Ramadan. The move is intended to ensure fair participation for all voters, regardless of faith, and to give legislative backing to adjustments requested by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The decision follows recent approval by the Senate for the electronic transmission of election results to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal, while maintaining manual collation as a fallback in areas with network challenges. The amendment stipulates that presiding officers at polling units must electronically transmit results after voting and documentation, with manual forms serving as the official record where transmission is not feasible.
Plenary discussions are also expected to cover pending bills, committee reports, and ongoing deliberations on the Electoral Act amendment ahead of the 2027 elections. The Joint National Assembly Conference Committee will meet to harmonise differences in the Electoral Amendment Bill before it is sent to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
INEC has acknowledged public concerns about scheduling elections during Ramadan and is consulting with lawmakers to ensure that adjustments are made while remaining compliant with constitutional and statutory requirements. The move has garnered support from religious groups and some political figures who emphasize the importance of inclusivity in the electoral process.
Earlier proposals suggested holding elections in November 2026 to allow sufficient time for election petitions to be resolved before the May 29, 2027, handover date. The National Assembly has also proposed amendments to reduce the timeline for election tribunal decisions and enable early voting for security personnel, INEC staff, journalists, and observers.
Lawmakers defend the decision to remove the “real-time” transmission clause from the Electoral Act amendment, citing current limitations in power supply and internet infrastructure. Senate officials stressed that retaining the clause could create challenges given Nigeria’s current broadband coverage, internet speed, and electricity access.
The upcoming plenary session is seen as a critical step in finalising the legal framework for the 2027 elections, balancing technological, religious, and practical considerations to ensure a credible and inclusive process.
