Danjuma Amodu | February 16, 2026
The National Assembly is set to review the date for the 2027 presidential election, with lawmakers reconvening on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to discuss shifting the poll to February 13, 2027. The move is aimed at addressing concerns raised by Muslim stakeholders, who objected to the initial date of February 20, 2027, citing its coincidence with the holy month of Ramadan.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had indicated that it may seek legislative intervention to adjust the election schedule. The National Assembly’s decision to reconvene comes amid a politically charged atmosphere, with opposition parties and civil society organisations pressing for adjustments to ensure inclusivity and fairness in the electoral process.
The Joint National Assembly Conference Committee is expected to meet on Monday to harmonise the Senate and House versions of the Electoral Amendment Bill, which will be sent to President Bola Tinubu for assent. The bill proposes electronic transmission of election results and compulsory e-transmission of results, with manual collation as a backup in areas where technology may fail.
The Senate has defended its decision to exclude the “real-time” clause from the Electoral Act amendment, citing poor internet and power infrastructure. According to reports, the broadband coverage in 2025 was 70 per cent, with internet penetration at 44.53 per cent, and Nigeria ranked 129th out of 150 countries in fixed broadband speed at 33.32 Mbps.
The outcome of these deliberations will be closely watched by political parties, religious groups, and civil society organisations, as the 2027 elections are shaping up to be a litmus test for Nigeria’s electoral system. – The Punch.
