The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday reversed its earlier provision in Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, reducing the timeline for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish election notices from 360 days to 180 days. The clause was re-amended to require that INEC publish election notices no later than 300 days before the elections.
The upper chamber said the change was necessary after discovering errors in about 22 clauses of the bill, including Clause 60, which previously made electronic transmission of results optional instead of mandatory.
With the revision, the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections could now be held in December 2026 or January 2027, rather than the February 2027 date initially announced by INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan. The February date would have coincided with Ramadan, prompting calls from some Muslim groups to reschedule the polls to avoid affecting voter turnout and logistical coordination.
During plenary, lawmakers amended the Act to empower INEC to adjust election dates to prevent clashes with Ramadan, following a motion by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele of Ekiti Central. He noted that holding elections during Ramadan could reduce participation and compromise the inclusiveness and credibility of the electoral process.
Senator Simon Lalong of Plateau South, chair of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, supported the motion, highlighting that the amendment reflects two years of legislative work and aligns with INEC’s existing electoral timetable framework from 2019 to 2031.
The motion was approved by a voice vote, allowing INEC the constitutional authority to make necessary adjustments to the 2027 election schedule.
