By Abiola Olawale
The House of Representatives has summoned an emergency plenary session for next week Tuesday hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced dates for the 2027 general election.
The move also comes amid growing pressure to finalize the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025.
In a statement issued on Friday night, Akin Rotimi, the House’s spokesperson, said members were notified of the emergency sitting through an internal memo from the office of the speaker.
Rotimi said the legislators will discuss the 2027 general election dates announced by the INEC.
“The emergency sitting reflects the resolve of the House to respond promptly to issues with far-reaching implications for the nation’s democratic process,” the statement reads.
“Deliberations will focus on relevant legislative matters connected to the announcement, in line with the constitutional responsibilities of the National Assembly.
“All legislative business relating to the matter is expected to be addressed expeditiously.”
On Friday, the commission fixed the presidential and national assembly elections for February 20, 2027, with governorship and state houses of assembly elections to follow on March 6.
The scheduled dates coincide with major fasting periods observed by Muslims and Christians.
Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, is projected to begin on February 8, 2027, and end around March 10, 2027, according to the 1448 AH Islamic calendar.
Similarly, the Christian Lenten season will commence on Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2027, and run through March 27, culminating in Easter Sunday on March 28, 2027.
