House of Reps to hold emergency sitting over 2027 election timetable

Nigeria’s House of Representatives of Nigeria will reconvene on Tuesday, February 17, for an emergency sitting to deliberate on issues arising from the recently announced timetable for the 2027 general elections.

The decision follows concerns and discussions triggered by the election schedule released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, had on Friday announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to take place on February 20, 2027. He also confirmed that governorship and state House of Assembly elections will be held on March 6, 2027.

Addressing political parties, civil society organisations, and journalists at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Amupitan said the announcement was “in line with constitutional provisions and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandates INEC to publish the notice not later than 360 days before the election.”

The decision to hold the emergency sitting was conveyed to lawmakers through an internal memorandum issued by the Office of the Speaker late on Friday, highlighting the constitutional importance of the development and the need for urgent legislative attention.

The development was confirmed in a statement signed by Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., Spokesman of the House of Representatives. According to the memo, the emergency session reflects the resolve of the House “to respond promptly to issues with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democratic process.”

Deliberations during the sitting are expected to focus on legislative matters connected to the INEC announcement, in line with the constitutional responsibilities of the National Assembly.

The memo noted that all legislative business relating to the issue “will be treated expeditiously,” while members have been strongly advised to prioritise attendance given the significance of the matters under consideration.

The House reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions through responsive and responsible lawmaking and acting in the best interest of citizens.

In a related statement signed by the Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi, it was explained that the emergency sitting was convened to allow lawmakers to rescind its earlier decision on the Electoral Amendment Bill, particularly to address the timeline for publication of the notice of elections by INEC.

“This follows the release earlier today by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the 2027 General Election Timetable.

“As has been observed, the proposed dates for the Presidential and National Assembly elections coincide with the period of Ramadan, a development likely to affect participation.

“Accordingly, it has become necessary to undertake a recision and recommittal of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill earlier passed by the House.

“Among other matters, the recommittal is intended to review and adjust the statutory notice period for elections by INEC from 360 days to 300 days, in order to ensure greater flexibility in the scheduling of elections and alignment with prevailing national considerations.

“All legislative processes relating to the Bill are expected to be concluded the same day to enable Members proceed with other scheduled political engagements, including the forthcoming APC Ward Congresses.

“Given the constitutional and national importance of this matter, all Honourable Members are strongly advised to prioritise attendance,” the statement said.