In a major overhaul of Nigeria’s electoral timetable, the National Assembly (NASS) has proposed shifting the 2027 presidential and governorship elections to November 2026, six months earlier than originally scheduled.
The proposal was unveiled during a public hearing organized by the Joint Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters, where lawmakers presented draft amendments to the Electoral Act aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and dispute resolution in the nation’s elections.
Under the proposed reform, presidential and governorship polls would be conducted no later than 185 days before the expiration of the current administration’s tenure, effectively moving the elections to November 2026.
Key highlights of the proposed amendments include shorter litigation timelines: Election tribunals would deliver judgments within 90 days instead of 180, while appeal processes would be reduced from 90 to 60 days, ensuring all disputes are resolved within 185 days.
Mandatory electronic transmission of results: Presiding officers would be legally required to transmit results both electronically and manually, with strict penalties for noncompliance.
Early voting: Security personnel, INEC officials, election observers, and accredited journalists would be allowed to cast their votes up to 14 days before election day.
Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, explained that the objective is to ensure all electoral disputes are concluded before new administrations are inaugurated, thereby eliminating the recurring problem of pending court cases after swearing-in.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), represented by Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, expressed strong support for the proposed reforms, especially the push for electronic voting and result transmission.
Civil society organizations and political stakeholders also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a crucial step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process and restoring public confidence in elections.
However, not everyone is on board.
Critics have warned that the proposal could face constitutional and logistical challenges, particularly in areas plagued by insecurity or poor digital infrastructure.
If approved, the reforms would not only reset Nigeria’s political calendar but could also redefine the conduct of elections, allowing more time for dispute resolution, reducing pressure on the judiciary, and enhancing electoral credibility nationwide.
