Ramadan Concerns Force Nigerian Senate to Reconsider 2027 Election Date
The has opened debate on a motion to revisit its February 10 resolution on the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026, amid concerns that the proposed date for the 2027 general elections may overlap with the Ramadan fasting period.
Proceedings at plenary, chaired by Senate President , shifted to deliberations on what lawmakers described as a critical motion seeking to rescind and recommit the legislation.
The motion—formally titled “Rescission and Re-Committal of the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026”—is sponsored by Senator . It proposes two key actions: reversing the Senate’s earlier decision to pass the Bill on February 10, 2026, and returning it to the Committee of the Whole for fresh scrutiny and possible amendments.
Election Date Under Review
According to details on the Order Paper, lawmakers observed during further examination that Clause 28 of the Bill could result in the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections being conducted during Ramadan.
Senators expressed concern that holding elections within the fasting period might pose logistical challenges and limit stakeholder engagement, potentially affecting inclusiveness and the overall credibility of the electoral process.
To prevent a clash, lawmakers are weighing a proposal to move the election date from February 20 to February 13, 2027.
Broader Technical Corrections
The reconsideration follows the Senate’s return from budget defence sessions to address drafting inconsistencies identified in the Bill.
Beyond the Ramadan timing issue, lawmakers flagged errors in multiple clauses—including 1(d), 10, 22, 23, 28, 29, 32, 42, 47, 51, 60, 62, 64, 65, 73, 77, 86, 87, 89, 93, and 143—citing cross-referencing mistakes, numbering discrepancies, and internal inconsistencies requiring technical fixes.
A technical committee made up of leadership from both chambers, committee chairpersons, Clerks of the Senate and House of Representatives, and the Directorate of Legal Services reportedly met to harmonise the provisions and correct the anomalies.
Ongoing Dispute Over Electronic Transmission
Another sticking point remains Clause 60(3), which deals with the electronic transmission of election results. While the House version reportedly mandates electronic transmission, the Senate adopted a more cautious stance, pointing to uneven telecommunications infrastructure across parts of the country.
The disagreement previously stalled harmonisation efforts after members of the House of Representatives did not attend a joint conference committee meeting with the Senate, escalating tensions within the National Assembly.
Crucial Step Ahead of 2027 Elections
Invoking Orders 1(b) and 53(6) of its Standing Orders, the Senate maintains that rescinding and recommitting the Bill is essential to safeguard fairness, inclusiveness, administrative efficiency, and public confidence in the electoral system.
As debate continues, the decision reached could play a pivotal role in shaping the legal and operational framework for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
