Senate Reduces Election Notice Period to 300 Days Ahead of 2027 Polls

The Nigerian Senate has amended Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, cutting the statutory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days to give the Independent National Electoral Commission greater flexibility in scheduling the 2027 general elections.

The revised clause mandates INEC to publish election notices not later than 300 days before polling, specifying dates and locations for submission of nomination papers across all states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The amendment followed a motion for rescission and recommittal moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who warned that retaining the earlier 360-day requirement could push the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections into the Ramadan period, potentially affecting voter turnout, logistics, and stakeholder participation.

Bamidele also cited inconsistencies in the bill’s long title and multiple clauses, including issues with cross-referencing and numbering, prompting the Senate to revisit the draft legislation.

Proceedings became tense when Enyinnaya Abaribe demanded a division on Clause 60(3), which permits manual transmission of election results where electronic transmission fails.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio initially ruled that the request had been withdrawn, but opposition lawmakers objected.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin cited Senate rules to oppose reopening debate, triggering further protests before lawmakers briefly entered a closed-door session.

When voting resumed, 55 senators supported retaining the manual transmission provision, while 15 opposed it. The chamber subsequently passed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026.

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 dates drew criticism from stakeholders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who urged reconsideration because of their overlap with Ramadan.

Responding, INEC National Commissioner Mohammed Haruna said the commission had noted the concerns and was consulting stakeholders, adding that it could seek legislative action if adjustments become necessary while remaining within constitutional and legal limits.