Senate reopens Electoral Bill to allow INEC adjust 2027 poll timetable

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA- THE Senate on Tuesday reconvened for an emergency plenary session, dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for rescission and re-Committal of the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026 to enable the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC Adjust its elections timetable.

Recall that INEC has announced February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections.

According to the Senate, the adjustment of the timetable by the Electoral umpire has become imperative against the backdrop that the coincidence of the elections with the Ramadan period could adversely affect voters turnout, logistical coordination, stakeholder engagement, and the overall inclusiveness and credibility of the electoral process.

The move was sequel to amotion for rescission and recommittal by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele who cited the need to address fundamental discrepancies and logistical concerns regarding the 2027 general election timetable.

Coming under order 1b and 52(6) of the senate rules, Bamidele explained that the primary focus of the emergency session is to review Clause 28 of the bill, which currently mandates a 360-day notice for elections.

Order 52 (6) reads, “It shall be out of Order to attempt to reconsider any specific question upon which the Senate has come to a conclusion during the current Session except upon a substantive motion for rescission.

Order 1 (b) reads, “In all cases not provided for in this Standing Order, or by Sessional or other Orders or practice of the Senate, the Senate shall by Resolution regulate its procedure.

Lawmakers are concerned that the current 360-day requirement would force the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections into the holy month of Ramadan, hence noting that such a coincidence could significantly hinder voter turnout and complicate logistical coordination for the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Beyond the election dates, Bamidele stressed that technical Committee has identified several inconsistencies in the bill as previously passed, including errors in cross-referencing, serial numbering, and internal consistency across over twenty clauses, including the controversial Clause 60 regarding result transmission.

The Senate aims to harmonise these anomalies to ensure the integrity of the electoral framework was not compromised by administrative errors.

Meanwhile, the session has been charged as protesters remain at the National Assembly gates demanding that this recommittal also serves to restore the mandatory “real-time” electronic transmission clause.

After reverting to the committee of the whole, the Senate leader then moved that the senate enters a closed door session to continue consideration on the bill.

Bamidele’s motion read, “Rescission and Re-Committal of the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026 to the Committee of the Whole Sponsor: Sen. Bamidele, Michael Opeyemi (Ekiti Central – Senate Leader)

“The Senate: Recalls that the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026 was duly considered and passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives; Notes that upon further critical review of the Bill as passed, it has been observed that the 360-days notice requirement prescribed in Clause 28 may result in the scheduling of the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections within the period of Ramadan;

“Also notes that the coincidence of the elections with the Ramadan period could adversely affect voters turnout, logistical coordination, stakeholder engagement, and the overall inclusiveness and credibility of the electoral process;

“Observes that upon painstaking scrutiny of the Bill, discrepancies were identified in the Long Title and Clauses 6, 9, 10, 22, 23, 28, 29, 32, 42, 47, 51, 60, 62, 64, 65, 73, 77, 86, 87, 89, 93 and 143, which affected other Clauses of the Bill including issues relating to cross-referencing, serial numbering, and internal consistency;

“Aware that a Technical Committee comprising the leadership of both Chambers, Members of the Conference Committee, the Clerks of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and Legal Drafting Experts from the Directorate of Legal Services of the National Assembly met to harmonise and address the identified anomalies;

“Recognises the imperative of ensuring that electoral timelines and statutory provisions promote maximum ‘ participation, fairness, inclusivity, administrative efficiency, and public confidence in the electoral system; :

“Desirous of correcting the identified inconsistencies and unintended consequences through appropriate legislative ; action in order to safeguard the integrity of the electoral framework; and i Relying on the provisions of Orders 1(b) and 53(6) of the Senate Standing Orders (as amended)

“Accordingly resolves to: Rescind its decision on the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026 as previously passed; and il. Re-commit the Bill to the Committee of the Whole for comprehensive reconsideration and necessary amendments.

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