Senate shortens electoral notice by 60 days to prevent Ramadan clash

In a significant move, the Senate on Tuesday amended Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026, shortening the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days.

This adjustment provides the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with greater flexibility in planning the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections, allowing them to be scheduled between late December 2026 and January 2027.

The revised Clause 28 now requires that INEC “shall, not later than 300 days before the day appointed for holding of an election under this Bill, publish a notice in each State of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory – (a) stating the date of the election; and (b) appointing the place at which nomination papers are to be delivered.”

The amendment was approved during clause-by-clause consideration of the reworked bill, following a motion for rescission and recommittal moved by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central).

Bamidele explained that a post-passage review revealed the original 360-day requirement could force the 2027 elections into Ramadan, potentially impacting voter turnout, logistical operations, stakeholder engagement, and the process’s overall inclusivity and credibility.

The motion also addressed technical discrepancies in the bill’s Long Title and multiple clauses—including 6, 9, 10, 22, 23, 28, 29, 32, 42, 47, 51, 60, 62, 64, 65, 73, 77, 86, 87, 89, 93, and 143—affecting cross-references, serial numbering, and internal consistency.

The adjustments followed INEC’s earlier timetable announcement, which had tentatively set presidential and National Assembly polls for February 2027—a period coinciding with Ramadan.

The date prompted consultations with National Assembly leadership and public concerns from some Muslim stakeholders.

The bill, originally passed earlier in February 2026, had previously seen reductions in certain timelines such as to 180 days in initial versions,

The latest change reflects a targeted 60-day cut to accommodate religious and logistical sensitivities ahead of the 2027 general elections.