The House of Representatives has convened an emergency sitting for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to address concerns arising from the proposed timetable for the 2027 general elections.
In a notice issued by the Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Professor Jake Dan-Azumi, lawmakers were informed that the special session will deliberate on urgent amendments to the Electoral Act through the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill previously passed by the House.
The move follows the release of the 2027 election schedule by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which fixed dates for the presidential and National Assembly polls that fall within the Ramadan period. Legislators expressed concern that the timing could affect voter turnout in several parts of the country.
As part of the planned legislative action, the House is expected to undertake a rescission and recommittal of the bill. A key proposal under consideration is the reduction of the statutory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days, a measure lawmakers say will allow greater flexibility in fixing election dates and ensure alignment with national realities.
According to the notice, all legislative processes on the matter are expected to be concluded within the same day to enable members proceed with other political activities, including upcoming ward congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The leadership of the House described the issue as one of “constitutional and national importance” and urged all members to give priority to the extraordinary sitting.
Further developments from the National Assembly are expected as deliberations progress.
