A proposal by the National Assembly to shift Nigeria’s 2027 presidential and governorship elections to November 2026 has divided opposition parties.
The move, part of a draft amendment to the 2022 Electoral Act, seeks to hold elections about six months earlier than usual to allow all court disputes to be resolved before the May 29, 2027, handover date.
If approved, the amendment would require presidential and governorship elections to take place no later than 185 days before the end of the incumbent’s tenure. Legislative elections would also follow the same timeline. Lawmakers say the change would prevent newly sworn-in leaders from assuming office while their victories are still under legal challenge.
The proposal follows an earlier push in July to amend the Constitution so that all elections — presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly — occur on the same day in 2027.
At a public hearing on Monday, the House Committee on Electoral Matters, led by Adebayo Balogun, said the shift would give enough time for election petitions to be settled. Balogun added that the committee also wants to cut the period for tribunal rulings from 180 days to 90, with appellate and Supreme Court judgments expected within 60 and 35 days respectively.
The draft also includes provisions for early voting, electronic and manual result transmission, and penalties for failure to comply. Early voting would apply to security personnel, INEC officials, accredited observers, journalists, and ad hoc staff. INEC has endorsed the plan, saying it would improve transparency and efficiency.
However, opposition parties remain sharply divided. The Peoples Democratic Party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, accused lawmakers of trying to extend President Bola Tinubu’s time in office, calling the move “ill-timed and not in the best interest of Nigerians.”
New Nigeria People’s Party spokesperson Ladipo Johnson warned that the shift could disadvantage opposition parties, saying it might give the ruling party more time to prepare.
In contrast, Labour Party spokesman Obiora Ifoh supported the proposal, arguing that it would reduce costs and electoral tension. The African Democratic Congress said it would comment only after reviewing the bill, while Obidient Movement leader Yunusa Tanko urged lawmakers to seek wider public input before making changes.
If passed, the amendment would mark one of the most significant changes to Nigeria’s electoral calendar in recent years.
