Senate cuts election notice period to 300 days to avoid Ramadan
Nigerian Senate passes Electoral Act amendment reducing mandatory election notice period from 360 to 300 days. Motivation is to prevent 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections from coinciding with Ramadan, which could impact voter turnout and logistics. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved the motion after warning that elections during fasting period could affect credibility and inclusiveness. Amended Clause 28 requires INEC to publish election notices no later than 300 days before polls, specifying dates and nomination procedures. INEC had already set February 20, 2027, for Presidential and National Assembly elections, and March 6, 2027, for state polls. Senate invoked standing orders to revisit bill swiftly.