The Nigerian Senate has formally begun debate on a motion seeking to rescind its February 10 resolutions on the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026, following concerns that the proposed 2027 general election date may coincide with the Ramadan fasting period.
The plenary, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, moved into deliberations after preliminary proceedings, setting the stage for what lawmakers have described as a crucial legislative correction ahead of the 2027 polls.
Motion for Rescission
The motion, titled “Rescission and Re-Committal of the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026,” is sponsored by Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central).
It seeks to:
Rescind the Senate’s decision taken on February 10, 2026, when the Bill was passed; and Re-commit the legislation to the Committee of the Whole for fresh consideration and amendments.
According to the Order Paper, lawmakers observed upon further review that Clause 28 of the Bill, as passed, may result in the scheduling of the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections during Ramadan.
The Senate noted that holding elections within the fasting period could affect logistics, stakeholder participation, inclusiveness, and the overall credibility of the electoral process.
Proposed Date Shift
Lawmakers are considering shifting the election date from February 20 to February 13, 2027, to avoid a clash with Ramadan.
The development comes after the Senate reconvened from its budget defence sessions to address identified inconsistencies in the Bill.
Multiple Clauses Flagged for Errors
Beyond the Ramadan issue, senators cited discrepancies in several provisions of the Bill, including Clauses 1(d), 10, 22, 23, 28, 29, 32, 42, 47, 51, 60, 62, 64, 65, 73, 77, 86, 87, 89, 93, and 143.
The identified issues reportedly involve cross-referencing errors, serial numbering gaps, and internal inconsistencies that require technical correction.
A Technical Committee comprising leadership of both chambers, relevant committee heads, Clerks of the Senate and House of Representatives, and the Directorate of Legal Services met earlier to harmonise and address the anomalies.
Electronic Transmission Still Contentious
At the centre of earlier tensions between both chambers is Clause 60(3), which addresses electronic transmission of election results.
While the House version reportedly makes electronic transmission mandatory, the Senate adopted a more cautious approach, citing uneven telecom coverage and infrastructure concerns in parts of the country.
The disagreement had stalled harmonisation efforts after members of the House of Representatives failed to attend a joint conference committee meeting with the Senate, further heightening tensions at the National Assembly.
High-Stakes Reconsideration
Relying on Orders 1(b) and 53(6) of its Standing Orders, the Senate argues that rescinding and recommitting the Bill is necessary to ensure electoral timelines promote fairness, inclusivity, administrative efficiency, and public confidence.
With debate now underway, the outcome of today’s proceedings could significantly shape the legal and operational framework for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Daily Sun