In a major move to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections, the National Assembly has proposed an amendment to the Electoral Act 2022 that would shift the conduct of presidential and governorship elections to November 2026.
The proposed amendment seeks to ensure that all election petitions are fully resolved before the official inauguration of elected leaders, thereby reducing post-election tensions and ensuring a smoother democratic transition.
According to the draft bill presented during a public hearing on Monday, the early conduct of elections would provide sufficient time for the courts to adjudicate on electoral disputes before the May 29 handover date. The measure is part of a broader legislative reform to enhance electoral credibility, transparency, and administrative efficiency.
Among the notable provisions in the proposed amendment are the introduction of early voting, mandatory electronic transmission of results, and stiffer penalties for non-compliance by electoral officials. The reforms aim to deepen voter confidence, curb electoral malpractice, and promote the use of technology to ensure the integrity of election outcomes.
During the public hearing, which drew participants from civil society organizations, political parties, and legal experts, representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) expressed support for the proposed reforms. INEC officials noted that the shift would provide the commission with adequate time to collate, verify, and announce credible results, while also allowing legal processes to conclude before the swearing-in of winners.
Several lawmakers also emphasized that the amendment would address long-standing concerns about overlapping timelines between elections, litigation, and inauguration. They argued that moving the polls forward would align Nigeria’s electoral calendar with best practices observed in other democracies.
Civil society groups, however, urged the National Assembly to complement the reforms with broader measures to improve logistics, voter education, and the transparency of campaign financing.
If passed, the amendment could represent one of the most significant overhauls of Nigeria’s electoral timetable in recent history, potentially setting a new standard for accountability and judicial efficiency in the country’s democratic process.
