The Senate on Tuesday passed an amendment to the Electoral Act 2026, reducing the mandatory notice period for general elections from 360 days to 300 days to prevent the 2027 polls from coinciding with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The motion to rescind and recommit the bill was moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who expressed concern that the previous 360-day requirement could compel the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct elections during Ramadan.

Bamidele said holding elections during the fasting period could affect voter turnout, logistics, stakeholder participation and the overall inclusiveness of the process.

Under the amended Clause 28, INEC is now required to publish notices of election not later than 300 days before the poll date, clearly stating the date of the election and nomination procedures.

INEC had earlier scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and governorship and state assembly polls for March 6, 2027.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Simon Lalong, said the announced dates were based on a long-term electoral timetable developed under former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu and were not deliberately fixed to clash with Ramadan.

The amendment was passed after the Senate invoked its standing orders to revisit and expedite consideration of the bill.

The Nation

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