Ahead of the 2027 general election, Nigeria’s National Assembly is considering a major shift in the country’s electoral timetable, proposing that presidential and gubernatorial elections be held in November 2026, instead of the traditional February or March schedule. The move is part of ongoing efforts to amend the 2022 Electoral Act to improve electoral planning and transition timelines.

The proposal, contained in a draft of the amended act, aligns with provisions stating that elections must take place no later than 185 days before the expiration of the incumbent’s tenure on May 29. Lawmakers argue that an earlier election date would allow sufficient time to resolve disputes and ensure smoother transitions between administrations.

The proposed change was revealed during a one-day public hearing organized by the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on electoral matters. Stakeholders, including representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society groups, and political parties, were in attendance to deliberate on the potential implications of the reform ahead of its formal consideration by the legislature.