The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday approved an amendment to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, cutting the statutory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days in a move aimed at improving flexibility in scheduling the 2027 general elections.
The revision affects Clause 28 of the bill and requires the Independent National Electoral Commission to publish election notices no later than 300 days before the polls. The notice must specify the election date and the locations where nomination papers will be submitted across all states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The amendment was adopted during the clause-by-clause review of the reworked legislation after Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion for rescission and recommittal of the bill.
Bamidele said the earlier 360-day requirement could unintentionally push the next general elections into the Ramadan period, which he warned might affect voter participation, logistics, and stakeholder engagement.
“Our review showed that the previous timeline could place the elections within Ramadan, which may affect turnout, planning, and the inclusiveness of the process,” he said.
“This adjustment is meant to give the electoral body enough room to fix dates that will not disenfranchise any group of Nigerians.”
The Senate noted that the change would allow the commission to schedule the presidential and National Assembly elections between late December 2026 and January 2027 if necessary.
Lawmakers also used the session to correct drafting inconsistencies in the bill, including issues related to cross-referencing, numbering, and wording in several clauses.
A senator who supported the amendment said the move was necessary to avoid avoidable controversy ahead of the elections.
“Electoral laws must reflect the realities of our society,” the lawmaker said.
“Religious observances, security arrangements, and logistics all matter if we want credible and peaceful elections.”
The latest adjustment follows earlier alterations to election timelines contained in previous drafts of the amendment bill. Lawmakers said the final changes were intended to ensure smoother preparations for the 2027 polls while maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
