National Assembly Proposes November 2026 for General Elections Amid Ongoing Electoral Reforms
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National Assembly Proposes November 2026 for General Elections Amid Ongoing Electoral Reforms
In a significant move towards reshaping Nigeria’s electoral process, the National Assembly has proposed November 2026 as the new date for the conduct of the next general elections under the ongoing electoral reform process.
The proposal, which emerged during deliberations on amendments to the Electoral Act, aims to provide the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with sufficient time to prepare, conduct, and conclude election matters before the official handover date of May 29.
Lawmakers noted that shifting the general elections from the traditional February/March timeline to November would help reduce post-election litigations and enhance the credibility of the electoral process.
According to a member of the Electoral Reform Committee, the adjustment will also allow INEC to finalize election disputes before the inauguration of new officeholders, ensuring a smoother democratic transition.
“The goal is to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy by creating more time between the conduct of elections and the swearing-in of elected officials,” the lawmaker stated.
Meanwhile, reactions have begun to trail the proposal, with some political analysts and civil society organizations expressing cautious optimism. They emphasized that while the idea is progressive, the success of the reform depends on proper implementation and the independence of electoral institutions.
If approved, the new electoral calendar would take effect from the 2026 general elections, marking a major shift in Nigeria’s democratic timeline and the most notable electoral reform since the passage of the 2022 Electoral Act.
