The House of Representatives will hold an emergency sitting on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, to deliberate on electoral matters following the release of the 2027 General Election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan announced on Friday that the presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on 20 February 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls are scheduled for 6 March 2027. The announcement, made at the commission’s Abuja headquarters, was in line with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires election notices to be published at least 360 days before an election.
According to a statement from the House of Representatives, the emergency session will allow lawmakers to rescind and recommit the Electoral Amendment Bill.
The move aims to review the statutory notice period for elections, potentially reducing it from 360 to 300 days, and to consider national circumstances such as the overlap of the elections with Ramadan, which could affect voter turnout.
The House emphasised that all legislative business connected to the INEC announcement will be handled expeditiously, and members have been urged to prioritise attendance.
The statement said,
“As has been observed, the proposed dates for the Presidential and National Assembly elections coincide with the period of Ramadan, a development likely to affect participation.
“Accordingly, it has become necessary to undertake a recision and recommittal of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill earlier passed by the House. Among other matters, the recommittal is intended to review and adjust the statutory notice period for elections by INEC from 360 days to 300 days, in order to ensure greater flexibility in the scheduling of elections and alignment with prevailing national considerations.
“All legislative processes relating to the Bill are expected to be concluded the same day to enable Members proceed with other scheduled political engagements, including the forthcoming APC Ward Congresses.
“Given the constitutional and national importance of this matter, all Honourable Members are strongly advised to prioritise attendance.”
