NASS Proposes November 2026 Elections to Allow Timely Resolution of Disputes Before 2027 Transition

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the National Assembly is proposing that presidential and governorship elections be held in November 2026, rather than the usual February or March of the election year.

This shift is outlined in a draft amendment to the Electoral Act 2022, discussed during a public hearing on Monday convened by the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, chaired by Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South).

According to the proposed Section 4(7) of the amendment, presidential and governorship polls must now take place at least 185 days before the expiration of the incumbent’s term. With the current administration ending on May 29, 2027, this places the next elections in November 2026.

A similar adjustment under Section 4(5) would apply to National and State Assembly elections, requiring them to occur no later than 185 days before the dissolution of the legislative houses.

Lawmakers argue that the revised timetable is meant to ensure all election-related court cases are resolved before winners take office, eliminating post-inauguration legal battles.

Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, explained that under the new plan, tribunal rulings must be delivered within 90 days, while appeals and Supreme Court judgments must be concluded in 60 days each — all within the 185-day window before swearing-in.

He emphasized that these changes would require adjustments to Sections 285 and 139 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to bring them in line with the proposed electoral schedule.

At the hearing, stakeholders — including representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Prof. Abdullahi Zuru — supported key reforms aimed at increasing transparency and public confidence. These include:

• Mandatory electronic and manual transmission of results under the proposed Section 60(5). Non-compliance would attract up to one year imprisonment, a ₦1 million fine, or both.
• Early voting for essential personnel such as INEC staff, security officers, accredited journalists, and observers — to be conducted up to 14 days before election day.

Additionally, lawmakers proposed removing election dates from the Constitution and placing them entirely within the Electoral Act. According to the committee, this would provide greater flexibility for future adjustments without requiring constitutional amendments.

The relevant change is reflected in the newly numbered Section 27(5–7), which seeks to “unlock” constitutional constraints on electoral timelines.

Stakeholders at the hearing widely backed the proposals, describing them as a necessary and timely overhaul aimed at bolstering electoral credibility, enhancing institutional efficiency, and ensuring a smoother transition process without legal distractions after elections.