The leadership of the National Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are in advanced talks to bring forward Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election from its originally scheduled date of February 20, 2027, to January 16, 2027.
Sources within INEC and the legislature confirmed on Monday that the new dates for the presidential and governorship polls are now January 16 and January 30, 2027, respectively, pending approval by lawmakers on the floor of the National Assembly. The emergency discussions prompted both chambers to reconvene plenary ahead of schedule, underscoring the urgency attached to resolving the issue. 
The shift represents a significant alteration to the electoral calendar, originally set by INEC with presidential and National Assembly elections on February 20, 2027, and governorship and state House of Assembly polls on March 6, 2027. 
The pace to revisit the election date stems from growing criticism from diverse political and civil society stakeholders. Central to the controversy was the fact that the February 20 date falls squarely within the holy month of Ramadan, which Islamic scholars and Muslim advocacy groups projected would run from February 7 to March 8, 2027. Critics argued that holding national elections during a period of fasting, prayer, and reduced daytime activity could deter voter participation among millions of Muslim Nigerians impatient to fulfil their religious obligations. 
Former vice-president and presidential aspirant Atiku Abubakar, among other voices, publicly urged INEC to reconsider the electoral calendar, describing the original timetable as incongruous with the principles of inclusivity and national cohesion. Bashir Ahmad, a presidential aide, likewise said that scheduling elections during Ramadan could present challenges for a large segment of the population, compelling a rethink of the timeline. 
The heightened focus on the election timetable has had immediate legislative consequences. The planned meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives conference committee to reconcile differences in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill has been suspended to allow lawmakers to address the more politically sensitive issue of election dates. 
Lawmakers representing various constituencies confirmed that scheduled negotiations over contentious clauses in the bill including provisions on electronic results transmission and dispute resolution timelines, have been postponed. One lawmaker said the focus is now on finalising a consensus on new electoral dates before returning to other reforms.
The delays in harmonising the Electoral Act had already attracted criticism earlier this month, with some observers warning that slow progress on electoral reform could weaken preparations for the 2027 polls. However, assembly leaders have denied deliberately stalling the bill, describing slow progress as a procedural rather than political matter involving detailed committee work. 
INEC has formally acknowledged the public concerns, signalling its willingness to work with lawmakers and other stakeholders to adjust the electoral timetable appropriately while complying with constitutional and statutory requirements. The commission emphasised that it drew up the original timetable in strict adherence to legal obligations but remained sensitive to legitimate representations that could impact voter participation. 
If the January 16 date is ratified in plenary, it would make the 2027 presidential election among the earliest in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic electoral history, compressing preparation and campaign timelines for political parties, INEC, and aspirants. Parties may need to accelerate primaries, logistics planning, voter education, and mobilisation strategies.
Beyond the election date, lawmakers continue to ponder broader changes intended to resolve election petitions before the May 29, 2027, swearing-in date for successful candidates. Proposed reforms include conducting elections at least 185 days before the expiration of incumbents’ tenure and shortening timelines for tribunal and appellate decisions.
Samuel Aina