The National Assembly of Nigeria will reconvene plenary on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in what appears to be an emergency recall linked to a possible review of the 2027 presidential election date.
Lawmakers are expected to deliberate on a proposal that could move the presidential poll to February 13, 2027, subject to formal consideration during the session.
In an official notice signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, senators and members of the House of Representatives were directed to resume at 11:00 a.m., with an indication that weighty decisions are on the agenda.
“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 on condition of anonymity, suggested that the recall is primarily tied to electoral matters.
“It is more of an extraordinary plenary session to review the 2027 presidential election date as stipulated in the Electoral Act amendment,” one source said.
The move follows concerns surrounding the timetable announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which scheduled the 2027 general elections during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan — a period of fasting and spiritual devotion observed by millions of Nigerian Muslims.
INEC has acknowledged the public concerns and indicated that legislative intervention may be required if adjustments become necessary.
The National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, stated last Friday that the commission’s Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 elections were prepared in strict compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s Guidelines and Regulations for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.
Under the current schedule, Saturday, February 20, 2027, is fixed for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections are slated for Saturday, March 6, 2027.
