- National Assembly proposes shifting 2027 polls to November 2026.
- Amendments aim to allow courts resolve election cases before inauguration.
- INEC backs new reforms on early voting and result transmission.
The National Assembly has proposed moving the dates of Nigeria’s presidential and governorship elections from the traditional February or March period to November 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Edo PDP Crisis Deepens as Wike’s Camp Elects New Executives
- 2027: ‘Atiku, Obi No Match’ – Oshiomhole Predicts Tinubu’s Victory
- Dr. Alausa, Sabi Abdullahi Unveil New Agricultural Curriculum to Tackle Food Crisis
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the proposal is contained in the draft amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act, which currently mandates that such elections be conducted not later than 185 days before the expiration of the incumbent’s tenure on May 29. The new timeline means presidential and governorship polls could hold around November 2026.
The draft amendment was unveiled on Monday during a one-day public hearing organised by the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters of the Senate and House of Representatives. The proposed Section 4(7) provides that “elections into the office of the president and governor of a state shall be held not later than 185 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of the office.”
The Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Adebayo Balogun, explained that the adjustment aims to create enough time for courts to conclude all election petitions before the swearing-in of new leaders. He noted that the amendment also seeks to shorten the tribunal judgment period from 180 to 90 days, while appellate and Supreme Court rulings must come within 90 and 60 days respectively.
Other key proposals include early voting for security agents, INEC staff, journalists, and observers—scheduled not later than 14 days before election day—and mandatory electronic transmission of results. The amendment to Section 60(5) mandates presiding officers to transmit results both electronically and manually.
The bill also criminalises the distribution of unstamped ballot papers and result sheets, with offenders facing a one-year jail term or a ₦1 million fine. Representatives from INEC, including Abdullahi Zuru, expressed support for the reforms, saying they would enhance transparency and credibility in future elections.
FURTHER READING
- World Teachers’ Day: Dr. Alausa Calls for Teamwork Among Nigerian Teachers
- Jandor Warns Jonathan Against 2027 Presidential Bid, Says Tinubu Unbeatable
- Snowstorm Traps Nearly 1,000 on Mount Everest Eastern Slopes
