Senate shortens election notice period to avoid Ramadan clash

Nigeria’s Senate has amended the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, reducing the mandatory election notice period from 360 days to 300 days, in a move aimed at giving the Independent National Electoral Commission greater flexibility in scheduling the 2027 general elections.

The amendment, approved during clause-by-clause consideration on Tuesday, modifies Clause 28 of the bill and effectively shortens the advance notice timeline required before elections can be conducted. This adjustment is expected to allow the presidential and National Assembly elections to be scheduled between late December 2026 and January 2027, instead of being pushed into February, which may coincide with Ramadan.

Change gives INEC flexibility in election scheduling

Under the revised provision, INEC is now required to publish an election notice no later than 300 days before the date of the election. The notice must be published across all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, specifying the election date and identifying locations where nomination papers will be submitted.

The reduction in timeline is significant because the previous 360-day requirement limited the electoral body’s ability to adjust election dates without disrupting the legal framework governing the process. By shortening the notice period by 60 days, lawmakers have effectively created room for adjustments that reflect religious, operational, and logistical realities.

The amendment followed a motion for rescission and recommittal moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who explained that a post-passage review revealed potential unintended consequences of the earlier provision. According to him, retaining the 360-day notice period could have forced the elections into Ramadan, raising concerns about voter participation, administrative coordination, and the overall inclusiveness of the electoral process.

Ramadan concerns influenced legislative decisions

The adjustment comes after earlier indications that the election timetable could overlap with Ramadan, a development that drew concerns from stakeholders, particularly within Nigeria’s Muslim community. Ramadan is a period marked by fasting and intense religious observance, which could affect voter turnout and complicate election logistics nationwide.

The Senate’s decision reflects an effort to balance constitutional requirements with Nigeria’s religious and social realities, ensuring that elections are conducted under conditions that encourage maximum participation.

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Beyond the notice period reduction, lawmakers also used the opportunity to correct technical inconsistencies identified in several sections of the bill. These corrections affected multiple clauses, including provisions related to cross-referencing, serial numbering, and internal legal alignment.

The Electoral Act Amendment Bill had originally been passed earlier in February 2026, with lawmakers later reviewing its provisions to address emerging concerns and ensure it supports a credible and practical electoral timeline.

By shortening the notice period, the Senate has created room for more flexible election planning while preserving the legal safeguards needed to ensure transparency and fairness. The move also signals lawmakers’ awareness of how religious timing, operational logistics, and legal requirements intersect in shaping Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the critical 2027 general elections.