Ramadan: Senate Reduces Election Notice Period to 300 Days Ahead of 2027 Polls

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday amended Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, cutting the mandatory election notice period from 360 days to 300 days.

The revision gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) greater flexibility in fixing dates for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections, allowing the polls to be scheduled between late December 2026 and January 2027.

Under the updated provision, INEC is required to publish a notice of election not later than 300 days before the date fixed for the poll. The notice must be issued in each state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, stating the election date and specifying where nomination papers are to be submitted.

The amendment was adopted during clause-by-clause consideration of the reworked bill, following a motion for rescission and recommittal moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central).

Bamidele said a post-passage review showed that retaining the 360-day notice period could shift the 2027 elections into Ramadan. He noted that such timing might affect voter participation, logistics, stakeholder engagement and overall inclusiveness.

The adjustment follows an earlier timetable released by INEC, which had tentatively scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 2027, a period expected to coincide with Ramadan. The proposed dates drew public concern from some Muslim groups and prompted consultations between INEC and the leadership of the National Assembly.

Beyond Clause 28, the Senate also addressed technical inconsistencies in the bill’s Long Title and several clauses, correcting cross-references, numbering errors and internal drafting issues to ensure coherence.

The bill had been passed earlier in February 2026, with earlier drafts proposing different timelines, including a 180-day notice period. The latest amendment represents a 60-day reduction from the previously approved 360-day requirement.

The changes are aimed at resolving timing concerns while preserving INEC’s ability to conduct the 2027 general elections within the constitutional framework.