By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The National Assembly will reconvene plenary on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, amid indications that lawmakers may shift the 2027 presidential election from February 20 to February 13, 2027.
A notice issued on Sunday and signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, directed senators and members of the House of Representatives to resume at 11 am, stating that “very crucial decisions” would be taken during the session. Lawmakers were urged to adjust their engagements accordingly.
Sources within the legislature disclosed that the extraordinary plenary is primarily aimed at reviewing the presidential poll date as contained in the ongoing Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill, 2026. According to insiders, the proposed shift from February 20 to February 13, 2027 is intended to address concerns that the earlier date falls within the Ramadan fasting period.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had fixed February 20, 2027 for the presidential and National Assembly elections and March 6, 2027 for governorship and state assembly polls. However, Muslim advocacy groups, including the Muslim Rights Concern, criticised the timetable, arguing that it coincides with Ramadan, scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8, 2027.
Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, described the February 20 date as falling squarely within the holy month and called for reconsideration. A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, also urged the commission to review the timetable in the interest of inclusivity.
In response, INEC said the timetable was developed in strict compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 but acknowledged stakeholders’ concerns. The commission stated that it is consulting and may seek legislative intervention where necessary, provided any adjustment remains within constitutional and statutory requirements.
The reconvening comes days after the Senate approved electronic transmission of election results to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal while rejecting calls to make real-time uploads compulsory. Under the revised provision, presiding officers are to transmit polling unit results electronically after voting concludes, while manual collation using Form EC8A will serve as a backup where network challenges occur.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged senators opposed to aspects of the amendment to formally challenge them during plenary.
Defending the removal of the “real-time” clause, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele cited infrastructural limitations, referencing data from the Nigerian Communications Commission which showed broadband coverage at 70 per cent and internet penetration at 44.53 per cent in 2025. He also noted that about 85 million Nigerians lack access to grid electricity, arguing that mandatory real-time transmission may not be practicable at this stage.
Meanwhile, the Joint National Assembly Conference Committee is expected to meet to harmonise differences between the Senate and House versions of the Electoral Amendment Bill before transmitting the reconciled document to Bola Tinubu for assent.
The outcome of Tuesday’s plenary is expected to significantly shape preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the possible adjustment from February 20 to February 13, 2027 seen as a move aimed at balancing constitutional requirements with religious considerations and broader electoral participation.