NASS Proposal to Hold 2027 Elections in November 2026 Divides Opposition Parties

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A fresh move by the National Assembly to shift the 2027 presidential and governorship elections to November 2026 has sparked mixed reactions among opposition parties.

While some political groups accused lawmakers of plotting to extend President Bola Tinubu’s stay in office, others argued that the proposal could strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system if properly implemented.

The plan, contained in a draft amendment to the 2022 Electoral Act, seeks to hold the general elections about six months earlier than usual — to allow all pre- and post-election litigations to be concluded before the May 29, 2027 handover date.

If approved, the presidential and governorship polls would now take place in November 2026, rather than the traditional February or March schedule.

Details of the Amendment

According to Section 4(7) of the proposed bill, “elections into the office of the president and governor of a state shall be held not later than 185 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of the office.”
Similarly, Section 4(5) stipulates that elections into legislative houses must be held no later than 185 days before the date of their dissolution.

By calculation, the 185-day window places the new election date around November 2026.

Lawmakers argue that the shift will prevent situations where newly sworn-in officials are still entangled in court disputes over their election victories.

Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Adebayo Balogun, said at a public hearing on Monday that the proposal aims to “ensure all election litigations are resolved before swearing-in.”

He also disclosed plans to reduce tribunal timelines — with tribunal judgments to be delivered within 90 days, appellate rulings within 60 days, and Supreme Court verdicts concluded within the total 185-day window.

The draft amendment further proposes early voting for security agents, journalists, electoral officials, and accredited observers — to be held not later than 14 days before election day.

It also introduces mandatory electronic transmission of results while making the use of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) non-compulsory.

Mixed Reactions

While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly supports the adjustment — calling it a step toward transparency — reactions among opposition parties have been divided.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, dismissed the move as a political ploy.

“If their plan is to give President Bola Tinubu more time in office, they should own up,” he told Emmynet24 news media. “Nigerians want real-time result transmission and stronger BVAS provisions, not a shift in election dates.”

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, also expressed skepticism, warning that the new timeline could favor the ruling party.

“Those in government will be better prepared, while opposition parties will be caught off-guard,” he said.

However, the Labour Party factional spokesman, Obiora Ifoh, supported the idea, saying it would “save costs and reduce electoral tension.”

“We’ve always maintained that holding all elections in one day is more efficient. This will also give time for court cases to be settled before swearing-in,” he added.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) took a neutral stance, saying it would withhold comment until it reviews the draft bill.

Meanwhile, the Obidient Movement’s National Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko, called for wider consultation before passage.