The Senate has officially amended Clause 28 (1) of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill 2026, providing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the necessary legal flexibility to adjust the 2027 general election timetable.
The legislative adjustment follows widespread concerns that the previously announced election dates would clash with the Ramadan fasting period, a conflict highlighted by various stakeholders and civic leaders.
The amendment reduces the mandatory notice period for elections, allowing INEC to shift the polling dates forward to avoid religious and logistical overlaps:
Previous Requirement: INEC was mandated to publish a notice of election no later than 360 days before the polls.
New Amendment: The notice period is now set to no later than 300 days, giving the Commission the “buffer” required to move the February and March 2027 dates.
The motion for rescission and re-committal was moved by Senate Leader Bamidele Michael Opeyemi (Ekiti Central) and seconded by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC, Senator Simon Lalong (Plateau South).
In addition to the timetable flexibility, the Senate deliberated on the contentious Clause 60(3) regarding the transmission of election results.
Following a call for division by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), the Senate voted to maintain its position allowing for both electronic and manual transmission. The tally resulted in:
55 Votes: In favor of the dual (electronic and manual) transmission model.
15 Votes: In favor of the House of Representatives’ version, which advocates for “real-time” electronic transmission only.
This amendment effectively empowers INEC to reconsider its earlier announcement, which had slated the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and governorship polls for March 6, 2027. By granting this flexibility, the Senate aims to ensure an inclusive electoral process that respects the religious observations of millions of Nigerians.
