INEC Fixes New Date For 2027 Presidential Election

INEC Fixes New Date For 2027 Presidential Election

 

OpenLife Nigeria reports that barring any last minute change or intervention from influential quarters, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC would review the February 20, 2027 date for the presidential election.

Only recently, INEC had announced that the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 20, 2027, with governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls scheduled for March 6, 2027.
The INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed the election timetable at a news conference in Abuja.

“This action is taken pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandate the Commission to publish the Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the date appointed for the election,” Professor Amupitan said.

The new date being considered by INEC is Saturday, February 13, 2027.

The shift of date is coming on the heels of clash of religious interest in which Muslims have complained about the earlier date likely coinciding with Ramadam.

To achieve a constitution harmony in addressing the issue, the National Assembly announced on Sunday that it would reconvene its plenary session on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, cutting short its recess amid indications that lawmakers may review the date set for the 2027 presidential election.

In a notice signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, senators and members of the House of Representatives were directed to resume sitting at 11 am and adjust their schedules accordingly, as “very crucial decisions” are expected to be taken during the session.

“I am directed to inform all Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the National Assembly that the Senate and House of Representatives shall reconvene plenary session at 11:00 am on Tuesday, 17th February 2026, respectively,” the notice read.

“Consequently, all Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members are kindly requested to take note and reschedule their engagements accordingly to enable them attend the session, as very crucial decisions shall be taken by each Chamber during the session,” Ogunlana added.

Insider confirms that “It is more of an extraordinary plenary session to review the 2027 presidential election date as stipulated in the Electoral Act amendment.

That is why our recess has been cut short through the announcement made by the Clerk of the National Assembly,” a senator confided.

“The ultimate aim is to give legislative backing to INEC’s request to address the concerns raised regarding the 2027 election slated to hold during Ramadan,” the lawmaker added.