Senate Reduces Electoral Act Notice Period by 60 Days
The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday amended Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, cutting down the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days.
The revision gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) greater flexibility in fixing dates for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections, potentially allowing the polls to be scheduled between late December 2026 and January 2027.
Under the amended Clause 28, 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 adopted during clause-by-clause consideration of the reworked bill. It followed a motion for rescission and recommittal moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central).
According to a report by Channels Television, lawmakers approved the change after deliberations aimed at aligning the electoral timetable with practical realities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development marks a significant legislative adjustment that could shape the timeline and preparations for Nigeria’s next general elections.