The Nigerian National Assembly has proposed shifting the 2027 general elections to November 2026, moving them about six months earlier than the usual February-March schedule. This proposal is part of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, presented during a joint public hearing by the Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters in Abuja.
The amendment aims to hold presidential and governorship elections not later than 185 days before the expiration of the current officeholders’ terms, ensuring that all post-election court cases are resolved before the swearing-in date of May 29, 2027. Lawmakers emphasized that concluding election litigation before the new administration takes office will enhance political stability and reduce legal uncertainties.
Beyond the election timeline adjustment, the bill includes key reforms such as enabling inmate voting, early voting for Nigerians abroad, mandatory electronic transmission of results, and using the National Identification Number (NIN) for voter registration. Importantly, it proposes that the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) will no longer be mandatory for voter accreditation, as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) does not recognize the PVC microchip. Instead, voters would be allowed to download and print their voter cards to curb the illegal sale of PVCs and make the verification process fully digital.
Similarly, political parties are also required to submit their final candidate lists at least 210 days before the election date under the new framework. The proposed amendments are expected to undergo further scrutiny and debate before possible enactment, but they signal a significant effort to modernize Nigeria’s electoral process and improve transparency.
