The National Assembly of Nigeria will reconvene plenary on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, cutting short its recess amid indications that lawmakers may review the scheduled date for the 2027 presidential election.
Findings indicate that the legislature is considering a shift of the presidential poll to February 13, 2027, subject to deliberations during the upcoming session.
In a notice signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, senators and members of the House of Representatives were directed to resume at 11:00 a.m. and adjust their engagements accordingly, as critical matters are expected to be decided.
“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, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the public notice may not fully disclose the urgency behind the recall.
“It is more of an extraordinary plenary session to review the 2027 presidential election date as stipulated in the Electoral Act amendment,” one source said.
The development follows concerns raised over the timing of the 2027 general elections announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which coincide with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan — a period of fasting and spiritual observance for millions of Nigerian Muslims.
INEC had acknowledged the concerns and indicated it could seek legislative intervention if necessary.
The National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed in a statement last Friday that the commission’s Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 elections were prepared in strict compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s Guidelines and Regulations for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.
According to the commission, Saturday, February 20, 2027, was initially scheduled for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections were fixed for Saturday, March 6, 2027.
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