The National Assembly on Sunday announced it would reconvene its plenary session on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, cutting short its recess amid indications that lawmakers may review the date set for the 2027 presidential election.
Findings show that the National Assembly may shift the presidential poll to February 13, 2027.
In a notice signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, senators and members of the House of Representatives were directed to resume sitting at 11 am and adjust their schedules accordingly, as “very crucial decisions” are expected to be taken during the session.
“I am directed to inform all Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the National Assembly that the Senate and House of Representatives shall reconvene plenary session at 11:00 am on Tuesday, 17th February 2026, respectively,” the notice read.
“Consequently, all Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members are kindly requested to take note and reschedule their engagements accordingly to enable them attend the session, as very crucial decisions shall be taken by each Chamber during the session,” Ogunlana added.
However, sources within the National Assembly, who spoke to The PUNCH on condition of anonymity, revealed that the public notice masks a more pressing agenda.
“It is more of an extraordinary plenary session to review the 2027 presidential election date as stipulated in the Electoral Act amendment. That is why our recess has been cut short through the announcement made by the Clerk of the National Assembly,” a senator said.
The lawmaker added that the ultimate aim is to give legislative backing to a request by the Independent National Electoral Commission to address concerns raised over the 2027 election slated to hold during Ramadan.
Another Senate insider said that if all goes according to plan, the presidential poll date may be brought forward to February 13 from the previously announced February 20 by INEC.
Similarly, a Senate source noted that the session goes beyond adjusting dates.
“This session is crucial. It is about more than dates — it is about ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of faith, has a fair opportunity to participate in the electoral process. The decisions we take here could define the credibility of the 2027 elections,” the source said.
The development comes barely a week after the Senate approved the electronic transmission of election results to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal, while retaining manual collation as a backup in areas where technology may fail.
The reconsideration followed a disputed clause in the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill, 2026, which triggered days of nationwide protests and criticism from opposition figures, civil society groups and youth movements.
Although the Senate approved electronic transmission, it stopped short of making it compulsory. Lawmakers also rejected calls for real-time uploads of results — a key demand by protesters who accused the legislature of undermining electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
