The National Assembly has proposed shifting Nigeria’s 2027 general elections to November 2026, six months earlier than usual. The proposal, outlined in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, was unveiled during a public hearing on Monday by the Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters in Abuja.
The aim is to ensure all election petitions are resolved before the May 29, 2027 handover, avoiding delays in swearing in newly elected leaders.
Key Proposals in the Amendment:
- Elections to hold no later than 185 days before the expiration of current officeholders’ terms.
- Reduced litigation timelines:
- Tribunal judgments: 180 → 90 days
- Appeal rulings: 90 → 60 days
- Total judicial process capped at 185 days.
- Mandatory electronic and manual transmission of results.
- Early voting for INEC staff, security personnel, journalists, and observers at least 14 days before elections.
- Penalties: One-year jail or ₦1 million fine for officials issuing unstamped ballots or result sheets.
INEC and key stakeholders, including Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, expressed support for the reforms, especially the push for electronic transmission of results, saying it will enhance transparency and reduce post-election disputes.
One-Day Election Proposal Resurfaces
The amendment also revives debate on conducting all elections on the same day, a proposal backed by opposition parties (PDP, LP, ADC, NNPP) but rejected by the ruling APC, citing potential risks.
The initiative is part of broader constitutional reforms being led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu through nationwide consultations.
