The proposed adjustment also moves governorship elections from March 6, 2027, to January 30, 2027
The National Assembly of Nigeria and the Independent National Electoral Commission have agreed in principle to shift the 2027 presidential election to January 16, 2027, following controversy over the earlier February 20 date.
The proposed adjustment also moves governorship elections from March 6, 2027, to January 30, 2027.
The development follows an abrupt suspension of the harmonisation of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill by both chambers of the National Assembly, alongside the announcement of an emergency plenary session scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
A senior INEC official, who spoke anonymously because he was not authorised to brief the media, disclosed that extensive consultations were held between the commission and legislative leaders.
“After several meetings, both sides agreed that the February date is no longer tenable.
“The new proposal now on the table is January 16 for the presidential election and January 30 for the governorship polls,” the source said.
A ranking senator also confirmed the development but noted that the proposal must still be debated and formally adopted on the floor of the National Assembly.
“That is the working proposal. But until it is formally adopted, it remains subject to change,” the lawmaker stated.
INEC had earlier scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, with governorship and state assembly polls fixed for March 6.
However, the February date attracted criticism from Muslim groups and political stakeholders because it falls within the 2027 Ramadan period, expected to run from February 7 to March 8.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar publicly faulted the timing, warning that conducting elections during Ramadan could discourage voter turnout among Muslim faithful.
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad also urged the commission to reconsider, arguing that participation could be affected during a period traditionally devoted to fasting and spiritual reflection.
Lawmakers had reportedly considered February 13 as a compromise over the weekend.
However, further consultations appear to have resulted in a more sweeping adjustment, pushing the elections into January.
If approved, January 16 would become one of the earliest presidential election dates in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
In a notice signed by Clerk to the National Assembly Kamoru Ogunlana, senators and members of the House of Representatives were directed to reconvene at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday to take what was described as “very crucial decisions.”
Although the agenda was not disclosed, sources confirmed that the reconsideration of the 2027 election timetable prompted the emergency recall.
The conference committee meeting earlier scheduled to harmonise differences in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill was consequently suspended.
Sada Soli, a member of the House conference committee, confirmed that the harmonisation process was put on hold due to the emergency plenary.
Another member, Iduma Igariwey, also acknowledged the postponement.
A Senate source said lawmakers would first resolve the sensitive issue of the election dates before returning to other contentious provisions in the amendment bill.
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