The National Assembly on Sunday announced that it would reconvene plenary on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, cutting short its recess amid indications that lawmakers may review the date fixed for the 2027 presidential election.
Findings by The Punch indicate that the legislature may shift the presidential poll from February 20 to February 13, 2027.
In a notice signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, senators and members of the House of Representatives were directed to resume at 11 am.
“I am directed to inform all Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the National Assembly that the Senate and House of Representatives shall reconvene plenary session at 11:00 am on Tuesday, 17th February 2026, respectively,” the notice read.
“Consequently, all Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members are kindly requested to take note and reschedule their engagements accordingly to enable them attend the session, as very crucial decisions shall be taken by each Chamber during the session,” Ogunlana added.
However, multiple sources within the National Assembly, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the recall is tied to concerns over the 2027 election timetable.
“It is more of an extraordinary plenary session to review the 2027 presidential election date as stipulated in the Electoral Act amendment. That is why our recess has been cut short through the announcement made by the Clerk of the National Assembly,” a senator said.
“The ultimate aim is to give legislative backing to INEC’s request to address the concerns raised regarding the 2027 election slated to hold during Ramadan,” the lawmaker added.
Another Senate insider said, “If all goes according to plan, the presidential poll date may be brought forward to February 13 from the previously announced February 20 by INEC.”
Similarly, another source noted, “This session is crucial. It is about more than dates, it is about ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of faith, has a fair opportunity to participate in the electoral process. The decisions we take here could define the credibility of the 2027 elections.”
Fallout From Electoral Act Amendment
The development comes barely a week after the Senate approved electronic transmission of election results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal, while retaining manual collation as a backup where technology fails.
The reconsideration followed nationwide protests and criticism over a disputed clause in the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill, 2026.
Although the Senate approved electronic transmission, it rejected calls for mandatory real-time uploads of results from polling units, a demand strongly pushed by civil society groups and youth movements.
Under the revised provision, presiding officers are to electronically transmit results after documentation is completed, while the manual Form EC8A will serve as the primary source where electronic transmission fails.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, during deliberations, urged senators opposed to the amendment to formally challenge it on the floor.
INEC Acknowledges Objections
The emergency session also follows mounting objections from Islamic groups and political figures who argue that the February 20, 2027, presidential poll date falls within Ramadan.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier scheduled February 20, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly elections, and March 6, 2027, for governorship and state assembly polls.
However, Muslim Rights Concern and other stakeholders rejected the timetable, describing it as insensitive.
Former presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, noted on his 𝕏 handle that February 20 falls “squarely within the Ramadan period (February 7 – March 8, 2027), a sacred season of fasting, reflection, and spiritual devotion for millions of Nigerian Muslims.”
Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, also appealed for reconsideration.
“If the intention is to encourage full and inclusive participation in the electoral process, scheduling such a critical national exercise during Ramadan may present challenges for a large segment of the population,” he wrote.
Responding, INEC acknowledged the concerns and indicated it may seek legislative intervention if necessary.
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, the commission has taken due notice of concerns expressed by stakeholders regarding the coincidence of the scheduled dates with certain nationally recognised holidays and observances.
“In view of these representations, the commission is currently undertaking consultations and may, where necessary, seek appropriate legislative intervention to address the concerns raised, while ensuring that any adjustment remains consistent with constitutional and statutory requirements,” the commission said.
Meanwhile, the Joint National Assembly Conference Committee constituted to harmonise differences in the Electoral Amendment Bill passed by both chambers is expected to meet on Monday.
The harmonised bill will thereafter be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
Sources disclosed to Punch that the committee has been given a one-week window to resolve contentious provisions before the final version is adopted.
With plenary set to resume, lawmakers are expected to continue deliberations on pending bills, committee reports and further reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.