NIGERIA’s political calendar may be on the verge of a historic shift as the National Assembly has proposed November 2026 as the new date for the 2027 general elections, six months before the end of President Bola Tinubu’s tenure.
News Point Nigeria reports that the move, part of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, seeks to ensure that all election petitions and court cases are concluded before May 29, 2027, the date new administrations are expected to be sworn in a reform long demanded by legal experts and civil society groups to protect the sanctity of the electoral process.
The proposal was unveiled on Monday in Abuja during a public hearing jointly organised by the Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters, which attracted broad participation from political parties, civil society organisations, the media, and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the draft amendment, Section 4(7) stipulates that presidential and governorship elections must be conducted not later than 185 days before the expiration of the incumbents’ terms of office, which effectively pushes the next general election to November 2026.
A corresponding Section 4(5) extends the same timeline to the National and State Assembly elections, ensuring a harmonised electoral calendar nationwide.
Explaining the rationale behind the move, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, said the proposed change would end the longstanding problem of leaders taking office while their victories remain subject to judicial review.
“We are proposing that all tribunal judgments be concluded within 90 days, appeals within 60 days, and Supreme Court decisions within the remaining period — ensuring all disputes are resolved within 185 days,” Balogun stated.
He added that complementary amendments to Sections 285 and 139 of the 1999 Constitution would be required to align the dispute resolution timelines with the proposed electoral timetable.
The bill also proposes mandatory electronic voting and electronic transmission of results, marking a decisive step toward full digitisation of Nigeria’s electoral process.
It provides that:
“The Presiding Officer shall transmit the results, including total number of accredited voters, to the next level of collation both electronically and manually.”
To safeguard electoral integrity, officials who fail to comply or issue unstamped or unverified ballot papers and result sheets will face one year in prison, a ₦1 million fine, or both.
A novel feature of the bill is the introduction of early voting, allowing INEC staff, security agents, accredited observers, journalists, and ad-hoc officials to cast their ballots up to 14 days before election day.
This measure, lawmakers said, ensures that those on essential election duty do not lose their right to vote while performing national assignments.
The proposals received widespread backing during the hearing. Representing INEC, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru said the reforms would “enhance electoral credibility, allow better logistical planning, and ease the post-election burden on the courts.”
If passed, the amendments will fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s election calendar, ensuring timely justice, smoother transitions, and stronger legitimacy for elected officials.