Senate Cuts Election Notice To 300 Days To Avoid Ramadan Clash In 2027 Polls

The Senate has amended Clause 28 of the 2026 Electoral Act bill and revoked its earlier passage, reducing the notice period for general elections from 360 days to 300 days. The move aims to prevent the 2027 presidential and national assembly elections from clashing with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Lawmakers noted that the 360-day requirement could compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to schedule the elections during Ramadan.

The senator representing Ekiti central and senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, moved the motion for rescission in line with the Senate standing orders, adding that a review of the bill showed that the earlier timeline could create a conflict with the fasting period in 2027.

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Under the revised clause, INEC is required to publish a notice of election not later than 300 days before the date fixed for the polls. The notice must be published in each state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, stating the date of the election and the locations for the submission of nomination papers. It must also be issued in every constituency where an election is to be held.