NASS Targets January 16 for Presidential Election
Nigeria’s National Assembly has indicated January 16, 2027, as the likely date for the next presidential election, even as it puts a hold on efforts to harmonise amendments to the Electoral Act.
At a plenary session, legislators gave priority attention to scheduling the 2027 general elections, suggesting that the Independent National Electoral Commission should prepare to conduct the presidential poll on the earlier date.
The move comes amid ongoing debates among lawmakers about proposed changes to the Electoral Act, a key piece of legislation that governs how elections are run in the country.
Instead of moving forward with the harmonisation of conflicting bills from both chambers, the Senate and House of Representatives agreed to suspend the process temporarily to focus on other pressing matters, including settling the election timeline.
Lawmakers expressed differing views on some clauses in the electoral reform bills, leading to delays in consolidating a unified version for onward transmission to President Bola Tinubu.
Despite the pause, leaders of the National Assembly maintained that finalising the election date was critical for electoral planning and funding arrangements.
Members also highlighted the need to ensure that electoral institutions and stakeholders are ready well ahead of the next polls to avoid past logistical challenges.
The assembly is expected to revisit the harmonization of the Electoral Act later in the year as part of its legislative agenda.