NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MULLS SHIFTING 2027 PRESIDENTIAL, GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONS TO NOVEMBER 2026

The National Assembly has begun deliberations on proposed amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act that could move Nigeria’s 2027 presidential and governorship elections from their usual February or March schedule to November 2026.

The proposal, unveiled during a one-day public hearing organised by the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters of both legislative chambers, seeks to mandate that all major elections be held no later than 185 days before the end of an incumbent’s tenure on May 29.

Stakeholders at the hearing called for the full adoption of electronic voting and digital result transmission to enhance transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process.

According to Section 4(7) of the draft amendment, presidential and governorship elections must be conducted at least 185 days before the expiration of current terms, effectively setting the next general election for November 2026. The same timeframe would apply to federal and state legislative elections, as outlined in Section 4(5).

To reinforce this change, the Joint Committee explained that new subsections—designated as Section 27 (5–7)—have been introduced to align the Electoral Act with constitutional provisions in Sections 76, 116, 132, and 178, thereby granting explicit legal authority for the revised election timetable.

Other key provisions of the proposed amendment include the recognition of voting rights for inmates, early voting for citizens on essential national duties, electronic transmission of results, the establishment of election tribunals, and mandatory post-election audits for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The amendment also introduces stiffer penalties for electoral offences and proposes higher campaign spending limits: raising the presidential campaign ceiling from ₦5 billion to ₦10 billion, governorship from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion, and chairmanship from ₦30 million to ₦60 million.

Through these reforms, the National Assembly aims to strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system, promote fairness, and deepen public confidence in democratic governance.