National Assembly to Consider Moving 2027 Presidential Election

Lawmakers are set to return to plenary earlier than planned, following a decision to cut short the National Assembly’s recess ahead of what insiders describe as key deliberations.

According to a notice issued on Sunday, both chambers will resume sitting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. The directive, signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, instructed senators and members of the House of Representatives to adjust their schedules in preparation for what was described as “very crucial decisions.”

Sources within the legislature indicated that one of the issues likely to come up for consideration is the date of the 2027 presidential election. Findings suggest that the presidential poll could be moved to February 13, 2027, if lawmakers agree on the adjustment.

“I am directed to inform all Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the National Assembly that the Senate and House of Representatives shall reconvene plenary session at 11:00 am on Tuesday, 17th February 2026, respectively,” the notice read.

“Consequently, all Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members are kindly requested to take note and reschedule their engagements accordingly to enable them attend the session, as very crucial decisions shall be taken by each Chamber during the session,” Ogunlana added.

However, sources within the National Assembly, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the public notice masks a more pressing agenda.

“It is more of an extraordinary plenary session to review the 2027 presidential election date as stipulated in the Electoral Act amendment.

That is why our recess has been cut short through the announcement made by the Clerk of the National Assembly,” a senator confided.

“The ultimate aim is to give legislative backing to INEC’s request to address the concerns raised regarding the 2027 election slated to hold during Ramadan,” the lawmaker added.

Another Senate insider said “If all goes according to plan, the presidential poll date may be brought forward to February 13 from the previously announced February 20 by INEC.”

Similarly, a Senate source said “This session is crucial. It is about more than dates—it is about ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of faith, has a fair opportunity to participate in the electoral process. The decisions we take here could define the credibility of the 2027 elections.”

As deliberations resume, attention will now shift to how swiftly both chambers can reach consensus on the proposed adjustment and whether the amendment will secure broad support. With the credibility and inclusiveness of the 2027 elections at stake, the extraordinary session is expected to test lawmakers’ ability to balance constitutional timelines, religious sensitivities, and the need to preserve public confidence in the electoral process.