Mixed reactions trail NASS’ moves to alter 2027 election time table

…Tinubu flayed such moves in 2010

…’They are stepping on INEC’s independence’

Controversy has erupted following the National Assembly’s proposal to amend the 2027 general election’s timetable, a move that would shift presidential and governorship elections from early 2027 to November 2026.

There have been divergent views across Nigeria in recent days, with many in support of the NASS move, while others are against it.

While there are those who say it was the right thing to do, as it is the demand of many Nigerians after the controversy that trailed the 2023 general election, as it would allow cases to be concluded before elected official assume office, critics have warned that the move could infringe on the constitutional independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Read also: NASS to conclude electoral act before December, Bamidele reveals

The proposed change, contained in the draft of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, seeks to mandate that general election be held no later than 185 days before the expiration of the incumbent’s tenure. If passed, this would effectively bring forward the next presidential election to November 2026, six months earlier than the usual February/March schedule.

The proposal also includes significant changes such as mandatory electronic transmission of results, early voting for election workers, journalists, and security personnel, as well as new timelines for election petitions, 90 days for tribunals and 60 days for appeals.

Reactions pour in

Although reactions to the move have been mixed, many citizens have applauded the decision by the National Assembly, saying if the move is successful, it would put an end to agitations by stakeholders while significantly deepening democracy considering the controversy that such issue had generated in the past.

Adewale Bolaji, lawyer and the Lagos State chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), supported the lawmakers’ move, stressing that if successful it would give a level playing ground for everyone and strengthen democracy in Nigeria.

According to him, “It is a plus for our democracy and electoral system if the lawmakers are successful in amending the Electoral Act for that.

“You would recall that many people spend six months to one year before their election cases are finalised and judgement given.

“Even the presidential poll, the winner would not assume office; with such an arrangement, the winner would not be able to influence the outcome of the election petition,” he told BusinessDay.

Ibrahim Bala, an Abuja-based constitutional lawyer, however, expressed fears the move was a clear overreach, noting that INEC is constitutionally empowered to set election dates.

“NASS trying to impose a timeline risks politicising the process,” he said.

Others opposition politicians fear that the change could plunge the country into a cycle of endless politicking.

“INEC can decide that, but many people don’t have confidence in the Commission. But I support the view that we should not turn Nigeria into a nation where elections dominate governance all year round. This will derail policy continuity,” a politician who did not want his name in print said.

Similarly, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) who spoke on the condition of anonymity, support the move, noting that with elected officials not in office, election tribunals can make judgment without fear of intimidation.

“How can anyone oppose such move? It is a very great decision if they can get it done.

“If you see what is happening where cases drag in court because sometimes, the person you are challenging is already in office, he can even be using the state money to fight you,” the politician said.

Read also: 2027: NASS proposes November 2026 for presidential, governorship elections

Lawmakers defend the proposal

In defense of the move, members of the National Assembly argue that the amendment is necessary to ensure that all election petitions are concluded before elected officials are sworn in.

“Having court cases dragging on after inaugurations undermines public trust. This reform will restore confidence in the democratic process,” said Senator Ahmed Musa, chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters.

Some legislators also argue that placing election dates within the Electoral Act rather than the Constitution would allow for more flexibility in addressing future challenges.

History on play back

Some political observers referred to the views expressed by the current president in August 2010, when he warned against allowing the country to drift into a one-party state.

Tinubu had said that the actions of the National Assembly that was populated by mainly People’s Democratic Party (PDP) members at the time was drifting Nigeria towards an authoritarian state.

He particularly picked holes in the move by the then National Assembly to set out dates and structure of elections for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as an autonomous agency.

Vanguard Newspapers quoted Tinubu as saying: “You look at the National Assembly making laws in a customized and personalised form and not the constitutional way. Taking away the independence of INEC, when you say this is an independent institution, you are taking their independent away by ordering election, organizing the order of elections, making laws, legislating for the order of election and so on. There are all sorts of charade by the majority party in power.

“You see the problem of law making outside the constitution again is tailor-made. The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria says the political parties must have their own constitution and make the laws and operate on internal democracy and that those officials must be democratically elected and now, a legislative body is making laws for the party that is not their own. You could see a National Assembly that is an imperial court.”

He was also quoted to have said that the then Action Congress (AC), his party, would not hesitate to drag the National Assembly to court for its infractions on the rights of opposition parties in the country.