Strong opposition has trailed a fresh proposal by the National Assembly to shift the 2027 presidential and governorship elections to November 2026, sparking widespread criticism from political stakeholders across the country.
According to Gossip News Now, the proposal is part of ongoing amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act, which seek to move the elections forward by about six months to ensure that all pre- and post-election litigations are concluded before the next handover date on May 29, 2027.
If approved, the presidential and gubernatorial elections would now be conducted in November 2026, departing from the traditional February or March schedule.
The draft amendment specifies that elections for both offices must be held no later than 185 days before the expiration of the current administration’s tenure.
Section 4(7) of the proposed amendment states:
“Elections into the office of the president and governor of a state shall be held not later than 185 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of the office.”
Similarly, Section 4(5) provides that elections into the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly must also be conducted 185 days before their dissolution dates.
At a joint public hearing on Monday, the House Committee on Electoral Matters, chaired by Adebayo Balogun, defended the proposal, arguing that an earlier election date would give courts ample time to resolve election disputes before winners are sworn in.
Balogun explained that the committee also recommended reducing the 180-day tribunal judgment period to 90 days, with appellate courts and the Supreme Court expected to conclude cases within the overall 185-day timeframe.
“Ninety days are expected of judgment by the appellate court, up to 60 days by the Supreme Court, which will not exceed 185 days,” he stated.
However, opposition figures have strongly condemned the move, calling it politically motivated and ill-timed.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, accused lawmakers of trying to extend President Bola Tinubu’s influence and manipulate the electoral timeline.
“If their plan is to give President Tinubu more time before he leaves office, they should own up. This move is not in the best interest of Nigerians,” Osadolor said.
He added that Nigerians are more concerned about strengthening the use of BVAS and ensuring real-time transmission of results, rather than changing election dates.
Echoing similar sentiments, Ladipo Johnson, the National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, warned that advancing the elections could disadvantage opposition parties.
“Those in government will have more time to prepare, while others will be caught off guard. Holding elections in November 2026 is simply too early,” he cautioned.
Meanwhile, Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, urged lawmakers to seek public input before making such a critical amendment.
“The National Assembly must not act in self-interest. Any change to the Electoral Act should go through full public consultation. We’ve seen how unilateral decisions in the past have backfired,” Tanko warned.
As debates intensify, the proposed amendment continues to divide opinions, with many insisting that the timing of elections should not be altered without broad national consensus.
