The National Assembly has announced an early resumption of plenary on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, cutting short its recess amid strong indications that lawmakers may review the date set for the 2027 presidential election.
In a notice issued on Sunday and signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, senators and members of the House of Representatives were directed to reconvene at 11 a.m. to deliberate on what was described as “very crucial decisions.”
However, multiple sources within the legislature disclosed that the extraordinary session is primarily aimed at reconsidering the 2027 presidential poll date as contained in the ongoing amendment to the Electoral Act.
Possible Shift to February 13, 2027
Insiders revealed that lawmakers are considering moving the presidential election from February 20, 2027, as earlier scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to February 13, 2027.
According to a senator who spoke on condition of anonymity, the ultimate goal is to provide legislative backing for INEC to address widespread concerns over the election date coinciding with the Ramadan fasting period.
“This session is crucial. It is about more than dates—it is about ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of faith, has a fair opportunity to participate,” the lawmaker said, adding that the credibility of the 2027 elections may hinge on the outcome of the deliberations.
Ramadan Concerns and Public Pressure
INEC had initially fixed February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, with governorship and state assembly polls scheduled for March 6, 2027.
However, the proposed date sparked criticism from Muslim groups and stakeholders, who argued that it falls within Ramadan—a period of fasting and spiritual reflection for millions of Nigerian Muslims.
Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, publicly urged INEC to reconsider the timetable, describing the February 20 date as insensitive to Muslim voters.
INEC, through its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, acknowledged the concerns and indicated that it may seek legislative intervention if necessary to adjust the schedule in line with constitutional provisions.
Electoral Act Amendment and E-Transmission Debate
The early resumption also follows recent controversy over amendments to the Electoral Act. Last week, the Senate approved the electronic transmission of results to INEC’s Result Viewing (IReV) portal but stopped short of making real-time uploads mandatory.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio presided over the session where the amendment was adopted via voice vote, amid protests and nationwide criticism.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele defended the removal of the “real-time” clause, citing infrastructural constraints such as limited broadband penetration and inadequate power supply.
He argued that making electronic transmission discretionary would prevent avoidable crises in areas with poor connectivity.
Under the revised provision, presiding officers are required to electronically transmit results after voting and documentation are completed. Where electronic transmission fails, manual collation using Form EC8A will serve as the legal basis for declaration.
Harmonisation and Presidential Assent
Meanwhile, the Joint National Assembly Conference Committee is expected to meet to reconcile differences between the Senate and House versions of the Electoral Amendment Bill. Once harmonised, the bill will be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
The committee has reportedly been given a one-week deadline to resolve contentious provisions, including those relating to election timing and electronic transmission.
Broader Political Stakes
The latest move builds on earlier legislative proposals to adjust the timing of general elections to allow all election petitions to be concluded before the May 29, 2027 handover date.
Political analysts say Tuesday’s plenary could prove pivotal, potentially setting the tone for the 2027 general elections. A decision to shift the presidential poll to February 13 would mark a significant adjustment influenced by religious sensitivities, legal considerations, and public pressure.
As lawmakers reconvene, stakeholders across political parties, civil society groups, and religious organisations will be watching closely, with the credibility and inclusiveness of Nigeria’s 2027 elections hanging in the balance.