A proposal by the National Assembly to bring forward Nigeria’s 2027 presidential and governorship elections to November 2026 has sparked division among opposition parties, with concerns over motive and potential impact on the electoral process.
The amendment, contained in the draft review of the 2022 Electoral Act, seeks to hold major elections at least 185 days before the end of the current administration on May 29, 2027.
If adopted, it would move the polls from the traditional February/March timeline to November 2026, roughly six months earlier.
Lawmakers argue the shift would allow sufficient time to conclude all pre- and post-election disputes before the inauguration of new leaders, thereby ending the current trend of swearing in winners still entangled in court cases.
The proposal also includes reducing tribunal timelines from 180 to 90 days and setting clear deadlines for appellate and Supreme Court verdicts.
At Monday’s joint public hearing, House Committee on Electoral Matters Chairman, Adebayo Balogun, said the objective was to "ensure that all manner of election litigations are dispensed with before swearing-in."
The draft bill also introduces early voting for security personnel, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff, journalists, observers, mandates both electronic and manual transmission of results, and includes changes to the use of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused lawmakers of attempting to prolong President Bola Tinubu’s tenure through legislative maneuvers.
"If their plan is to give President Bola Tinubu an opportunity to stay a bit longer, they should own up," PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor told PUNCH.
Timothy insisted the focus should instead be on real-time transmission of results and strengthening Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Spokesman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ladipo Johnson warned that an early poll could unfairly favour the ruling party.
"Those in government will be better prepared, while others will be caught off guard," he said.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) urged caution, declining to take a position until it reviews the full amendment.
In contrast, the Labour Party (LP)'s factional spokesman, Obiora Ifoh, supported the change, saying simultaneous, early elections would cut costs and reduce tensions.
"If implemented, Nigerians will be better off, and litigation periods will be better managed," he said.
But Dr Yunusa Tanko of the Obidient Movement called for wider public consultation, warning lawmakers against unilateral action.
"They shouldn’t do things only in their interest. Such decisions must reflect the will of the people," he said.
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