N’Assembly Moves to Shift 2027 Presidential Poll to Feb 13
The National Assembly has announced an emergency return to plenary as lawmakers consider shifting the 2027 presidential election to February 13 instead of the earlier scheduled February 20.
The move follows growing concerns about the clash between the election timetable and the Ramadan fasting period.
Punch Newspaper correspondent reported that ,Lawmakers are expected to review sections of the Electoral Act to accommodate the change.
The emergency sitting will hold at 11 a.m. on Tuesday after the recess was cut short.
In a notice issued by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, members of both chambers were directed to resume and adjust their schedules.
The notice stated that crucial national decisions would be taken during the session.
Lawmakers were urged to ensure full attendance because of the weight of the agenda.
The development has triggered fresh political debate over election timing and voter participation.
A senior official of the National Assembly of Nigeria, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the session is mainly to address the presidential election date.
According to him, the leadership considers the matter urgent and sensitive. He said the recess was shortened specifically to allow early deliberation. He added that consultations have been ongoing across party lines.
“It is more of an extraordinary plenary session to review the 2027 presidential election date as stipulated in the Electoral Act amendment,” the source said
He explained that the plan is to give legal backing to concerns raised by the Independent National Electoral Commission over Ramadan.
He noted that the aim is to guarantee inclusive participation by voters of different faiths. He described the step as preventive and necessary.
Another senator familiar with the talks said the new date being considered is February 13, 2027.
He said both chambers are working to align their positions before any final vote.
“If all goes according to plan, the presidential poll date may be brought forward,” he said. He stressed that the proposal still requires formal legislative approval.
Recent amendments by the Senate approved electronic transmission of results while allowing manual collation where technology fails.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged lawmakers who disagree with the provisions to challenge them through proper motions.
He maintained that reforms must reflect Nigeria’s infrastructure realities. He said flexibility would help avoid crises on election day.
The harmonised amendment bill, after agreement by both chambers, is expected to be forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
Some stakeholders, including former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, have supported shifting the date due to Ramadan.
INEC has also said it is open to lawful adjustments after consultations. Analysts say the emergency plenary could shape the direction and credibility of the 2027 elections.
@punch newspaper