Senate Reduces Election Notice Period to Avoid Ramadan Clash

The Senate on Tuesday amended Clause 28 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026, reducing the notice period for general elections from 360 days to 300 days. The decision is aimed at preventing the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections from taking place during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Lawmakers explained that keeping the 360-day notice requirement could force the electoral body to schedule the elections within the Ramadan period, which may affect participation for many Muslim voters across the country.

To address the concern, the upper chamber rescinded its earlier passage of the bill and recommitted it to the Committee of the Whole for fresh consideration and amendment.

Moving the motion under Orders 1(b) and 52(6) of the Senate Standing Orders, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele called for the clause to be reviewed to reflect the new 300-day timeline. The motion was adopted after deliberations, clearing the way for the amendment.

The adjustment is expected to give the electoral commission more flexibility in fixing election dates while ensuring that the polls do not clash with important religious observances.