February 17, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
Nigeria’s National Assembly has reconvened an extraordinary session cutting short its recess to address mounting controversy over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) timetable for the 2027 general elections, particularly concerns that key dates coincide with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and could suppress voter participation if left unchanged.
Lawmakers in both chambers on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, were instructed to return to plenary in Abuja ahead of schedule to discuss the election calendar and consider legislative backing for proposed changes. Sources within the Assembly told Naija News that the focus is to examine a revision that could move the presidential poll from February 20, 2027 to as early as February 13, easing potential clashes with Ramadan observances for Muslim voters and officials.
The move comes after public disquiet and political pressure erupted over INEC’s timetable, which scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections on February 20, 2027 a date that stakeholders, including religious organisations and civil society groups, highlighted as falling firmly within Ramadan. Critics argue the timing could deter turnout among millions of observant Muslims due to fasting and prayer obligations, undermining the inclusiveness of Nigeria’s electoral process.
In response to the backlash, INEC has acknowledged the concerns and signalled it may seek legislative intervention to adjust the schedule while remaining compliant with constitutional and statutory requirements. The commission’s leadership said consultations are underway with relevant stakeholders — and that any adjustment would aim to ensure broad participation without violating legal frameworks governing election timelines.
The National Assembly’s decision to shorten its recess reflects the political weight of the debate over the 2027 calendar as Nigeria prepares for one of its most consequential elections in recent history. Observers say the issue underscores broader tensions over how electoral institutions balance constitutional mandates with Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity a balancing act that could shape public trust and engagement in the democratic process ahead of the polls.