National Assembly 2027 election date review begins as lawmakers reconvene early to consider shifting the presidential poll over Ramadan concerns

The National Assembly on Sunday announced it would reconvene plenary on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, cutting short its recess amid indications that lawmakers may undertake a National Assembly 2027 election date review.

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Clerk to the National Assembly Kamoru Ogunlana directed senators and members of the House of Representatives to resume at 11am, stating that very crucial decisions would be taken during the session.

Findings indicate that the extraordinary sitting may focus on shifting the presidential poll from February 20, 2027, to February 13, 2027, following concerns that the earlier date falls within the Ramadan fasting period.

A senator, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the session as primarily aimed at giving legislative backing to a possible adjustment sought by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The lawmaker said the objective was to address religious sensitivities while safeguarding electoral participation.

Another Senate source said the proposed shift would ensure that Nigerians of all faiths have a fair opportunity to vote, stressing that the credibility of the 2027 elections could hinge on the decision.

INEC had earlier scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and governorship and state assembly polls for March 6, 2027.

The commission acknowledged public concerns over the overlap with Ramadan and indicated it could seek legislative intervention where necessary.

The development follows recent controversy over amendments to the Electoral Act.

Last week, the Senate approved electronic transmission of results to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal but retained manual collation as a fallback where technology fails.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio presided over the voice vote that adopted the revised provision.

The amendment stopped short of mandating real time uploads, a demand strongly pushed by civil society groups and opposition figures.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele defended the exclusion of a compulsory real time clause, citing limited broadband coverage and inadequate power supply.

The lawmaker said Nigeria’s infrastructure constraints made full real time transmission impracticable at this stage.

Meanwhile, the Joint National Assembly Conference Committee is expected to meet to harmonise differences between the Senate and House versions of the Electoral Amendment Bill.

The reconciled bill will be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent once finalised.

The National Assembly 2027 election date review builds on earlier proposals to adjust election timelines to ensure that all petitions are resolved before the May 29, 2027 handover date.

Lawmakers have also proposed shortening judicial timelines for election disputes and introducing early voting for security personnel and essential election staff.