The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed an amendment to the Electoral Act 2026, cutting the mandatory notice period for general elections from 360 days to 300 days. The primary motivation is to ensure the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections do not coincide with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved the motion to rescind and recommit the bill after identifying that the original 360-day requirement could force the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to schedule the polls during Ramadan. He warned that elections held during the fasting period could negatively impact:
– Voter turnout
– Logistical arrangements
– Stakeholder participation
– Overall credibility and inclusiveness of the process
The amended Clause 28 now requires INEC to publish election notices “not later than 300 days” before the poll date, specifying the election date and nomination procedures.
The change came after consultations between National Assembly leadership and INEC. The commission had already announced February 20, 2027, for Presidential and National Assembly elections, and March 6, 2027, for governorship and state assembly polls.
Senate Committee on Electoral Matters Chairman Simon Lalong clarified that the dates were not deliberately set to conflict with Ramadan, but follow a long-term timetable established by former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu for elections from 2019 to 2031.
The amendment passed swiftly after the Senate invoked its standing orders to revisit the bill.
