House Of Representatives To Hold Emergency Sitting Over INEC’s 2027 General Election Timetable
The House of Representatives will reconvene on Tuesday, February 17, for an emergency session to deliberate on electoral issues arising from the recently released timetable for the 2027 General Elections.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, had on Friday announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for February 20, 2027, while governorship and state House of Assembly polls will hold on March 6, 2027.
Speaking at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Amupitan told political parties, civil society organisations, and journalists that the timetable was published in line with constitutional provisions and Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which requires INEC to issue notice not later than 360 days before the election.
The decision to hold an emergency sitting was communicated to lawmakers through an internal memorandum issued by the Office of the Speaker late on Friday, emphasising the constitutional significance of the matter and the need for urgent legislative action.
According to the statement signed by Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., Spokesman of the House of Representatives, the emergency session reflects the House’s resolve to respond swiftly to issues with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democratic process.
Deliberations are expected to centre on legislative matters linked to INEC’s announcement, in line with the constitutional responsibilities of the National Assembly. The memo noted that all related legislative business would be treated expeditiously, and members were strongly urged to prioritise attendance.
In a related statement, the Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi, explained that the emergency sitting would allow lawmakers to rescind the earlier decision on the Electoral Amendment Bill. This includes reviewing the timeline for the publication of election notices by INEC.
“This follows the release of the 2027 General Election timetable by INEC,” the statement read. “The proposed dates for the Presidential and National Assembly elections coincide with the period of Ramadan, which could affect voter participation.
“Consequently, it is necessary to recommit the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill to review and adjust the statutory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days. This adjustment will provide greater flexibility in scheduling elections and align them with national considerations.
“All legislative processes related to the Bill are expected to be concluded the same day, enabling members to proceed with other political engagements, including the upcoming APC Ward Congresses. Given the constitutional and national importance of this matter, all Honourable Members are strongly advised to prioritise attendance,” the statement added.
