Senate to revisit Electoral Act bill to prevent 2027 elections from holding during Ramadan

The senate reconvened for an emergency plenary on Tuesdayand rescinded its earlier passage of the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal andEnactment) Bill 2026 to allow amendments affecting the 2027 election timetable. Shortly after resumption, the senate dissolved into thecommittee of the whole to consider the rescission and recommittal of the bill. The move followed a motion sponsored by Opeyemi Bamidele,senator representing Ekiti central and senate leader. The senate said the adjustment became necessary afterfurther review of the bill revealed that the 360-day notice requirement inclause 28 could result in the scheduling of the 2027 presidential and nationalassembly elections within the Ramadan period. INEC had announced February 20, 2027, for the presidentialand national assembly elections. Outrage trailed the announcement on social media followingreports that the dates fall within the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The commission later said it was undertaking consultationsand would seek legislative intervention. On Sunday, Godswill Akpabio, senate president, directed theupper legislative chamber to reconvene over the matter. Lawmakers noted that the coincidence of the elections withRamadan could adversely affect voter turnout, logistical coordination,stakeholder engagement, and the overall inclusiveness and credibility of theelectoral process. The senate also said discrepancies were identified in thelong title and several clauses of the bill, including clauses 6, 9, 10, 22, 23,28, 29, 32, 42, 47, 51, 60, 62, 64, 65, 73, 77, 86, 87, 89, 93, and 143. The upper chamber said the inconsistencies affectedcross-referencing, serial numbering, and internal coherence within the proposedlaw. The senate said a technical committee comprising theleadership of both chambers of the national assembly, members of the conferencecommittee, clerks of the senate and house of representatives, and legaldrafting experts met to harmonise and address the anomalies. The red chamber said it recognised the need to ensure thatelectoral timelines promote maximum participation, fairness, inclusivity,administrative efficiency, and public confidence in the electoral system. Relying on orders 1(b) and 53(6) of the senate standingorders (as amended), the chamber resolved to rescind its decision on the billas previously passed. The senate also resolved to recommit the bill to thecommittee of the whole for comprehensive reconsideration and necessaryamendments.

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