The House of Representatives will hold an emergency plenary on Tuesday to review the 2027 general election timetable recently unveiled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The decision was conveyed to lawmakers through an internal memo from the Office of the Speaker, according to a statement issued Friday night by House spokesperson Akin Rotimi.
INEC had earlier announced that presidential and National Assembly elections will take place on February 20, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls are slated for March 6, 2027.
However, the scheduled dates fall within significant religious observances. Ramadan is projected to run from about February 8 to March 10, 2027, while the Christian Lenten season is expected to begin on February 10 and conclude on March 27, with Easter marked on March 28. The overlap has prompted concerns among political observers that fasting periods observed by both Muslims and Christians could influence voter mobilisation efforts and turnout.
Rotimi stated that the emergency sitting is intended to enable lawmakers to assess the constitutional and broader national implications of the electoral timetable and determine any necessary legislative response.
“The emergency sitting reflects the resolve of the House to respond promptly to issues with far-reaching implications for the nation’s democratic process,” the statement said, adding that deliberations would centre on legislative matters arising from INEC’s announcement in line with the constitutional mandate of the National Assembly.
He further noted that the House remains committed to strengthening democratic institutions through responsive and responsible lawmaking, assuring that all legislative business related to the issue would be handled without delay.
