Lawmakers propose shifting presidential, governorship elections to November 2026
In preparation for the 2027 general elections, Nigeria’s National Assembly has proposed moving the presidential and governorship elections to November 2026—several months earlier than the traditional February or March timeline.
The proposed changes are part of draft amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act, which currently mandates that such elections be held no later than 185 days before the expiration of the incumbent’s tenure on 29 May.
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The proposal was tabled during a public hearing on Monday, hosted by the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Under the revised Section 4(7) of the draft, elections for the offices of the President and state governors must now be conducted “not later than 185 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of the office.” This would place the next polls in November 2026, given that 185 days before 29 May 2027 falls in that month.
More Time to Resolve Election Disputes
Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Adebayo Balogun, stated that the intent behind the adjustment is to create ample time for the resolution of legal disputes before any winner is sworn into office.
“To ensure that all manner of election litigation is dispensed with before the swearing-in of winners, we are proposing an amendment that will reduce the time for tribunal judgment from 180 days to 90 days,” Balogun said.
Under the draft, appellate courts would also be given 90 days to conclude cases, while the Supreme Court would be allotted 60 days — all within the broader 185-day window.
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To accommodate these timelines, Sections 285 and 139 of the 1999 Constitution are being considered for amendment to align with the changes in the Electoral Act.
Early Voting, E-Transmission of Results Among Key Reforms
The bill also introduces a range of other reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency. One of these is early voting, outlined in Section 2, which would allow certain categories of voters — including security agents, INEC staff, journalists, and accredited observers — to vote up to 14 days before the main polling day.
A major emphasis is also being placed on mandatory electronic and manual transmission of election results. According to the revised Section 60(5), “The presiding officer shall transmit the results, including the total number of accredited voters, to the next level of collation both electronically and manually.”
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Stricter Penalties for Electoral Malpractice
In a further move to tighten electoral integrity, the draft also criminalises the distribution of unstamped ballot papers and result sheets. Offenders could face up to one year in prison, a ₦1 million fine, or both.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), represented at the hearing by Abdullahi Zuru, expressed support for the proposed reforms — particularly those concerning early voting and electronic transmission — citing their potential to improve transparency and reduce electoral fraud.
The proposed amendments are still in draft form and will undergo further review and debate before any final approval is granted.
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