Senate Passes Amended Electoral Act, Revises Notice Period for 2027 Elections

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday approved an amendment to the Electoral Act 2026, cutting the mandatory notice period for general elections from 360 days to 300 days.

The adjustment aims to prevent the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections from coinciding with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved the motion to rescind and recommit the bill, noting that the original 360-day requirement could compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to schedule polls during Ramadan.

He cautioned that holding elections during the fasting period could adversely affect voter turnout, disrupt logistical arrangements, limit stakeholder participation, and undermine the overall credibility and inclusiveness of the process.

Under the amended Clause 28, INEC is now required to publish election notices “not later than 300 days” before the poll, detailing the election date and nomination procedures.

The change follows consultations between the National Assembly leadership and INEC.

The commission had earlier announced February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and March 6, 2027, for governorship and state assembly polls.

Senate Committee on Electoral Matters Chairman Simon Lalong explained that the election dates were not intentionally set to clash with Ramadan but align with a long-term timetable established by former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu for elections from 2019 to 2031.

The amendment was passed swiftly after the Senate invoked its standing orders to revisit the bill.