The National Assembly has announced plans to reconvene an emergency plenary session on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, cutting short its recess amid indications that lawmakers may review the date fixed for the 2027 presidential election.
In a notice issued on Sunday and signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, senators and members of the House of Representatives were directed to resume plenary at 11:00 am and adjust their schedules accordingly, as “very crucial decisions” are expected to be taken.
“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 11:00am 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 to attend the session, as very crucial decisions shall be taken by each Chamber during the session,” Ogunlana added.
However, sources within the National Assembly told The PUNCH that the notice masks a more urgent agenda.
Push to Review 2027 Presidential Election Date
A senator, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the extraordinary sitting is aimed at reviewing the presidential election date as stipulated in the Electoral Act amendment.
“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,” the lawmaker said.
“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 source added.
Another Senate insider disclosed that, if deliberations proceed as expected, the presidential poll date may be brought forward by one week.
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“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,” the source said.
A separate Senate source described the session as critical to electoral credibility.
“This session 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 taken here could define the credibility of the 2027 elections,” the source said.
Electoral Act Amendment and Electronic Transmission
The development comes barely a week after the Senate approved electronic transmission of election results to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV), while retaining manual collation as a backup in areas where technology may fail.
The emergency reconsideration followed controversy over a disputed clause in the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill, 2026, which triggered nationwide protests and criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups and youth movements.
Although the Senate approved electronic transmission, it stopped short of making it compulsory and rejected calls for real-time upload of results.
Under the revised provision, presiding officers are to transmit results electronically after voting and documentation are completed, while manual result sheets will be used where network challenges persist.
While putting the motion to a voice vote, Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged senators opposed to the amendment to formally challenge it on the floor.
INEC, Ramadan Concerns and Political Pressure
The Independent National Electoral Commission acknowledged public concerns that the February 20, 2027, presidential election date coincides with the holy month of Ramadan.
The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the timetable was drawn up in compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC regulations but noted that the commission may seek legislative intervention if necessary.
Islamic groups, including the Muslim Rights Concern, rejected the timetable, arguing that it could disenfranchise Muslim voters and election officials. Former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad also called for a review.
As lawmakers prepare to reconvene, political observers say Tuesday’s plenary could set the tone for the 2027 elections, with a possible shift of the presidential poll to February 13 marking a significant adjustment driven by religious and public considerations.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
