The House of Representatives will reconvene on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, for an emergency sitting to consider matters arising from the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, following the release of the 2027 general election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The decision was conveyed to lawmakers in an internal memorandum issued by the Office of the Speaker, according to a statement released on Friday night by the House spokesman, Mr Akin Rotimi.
The notice to reconvene on Tuesday, he said, “was conveyed to Honourable members through an internal memorandum issued by the Office of the Speaker, drawing attention to the constitutional and national significance of the development and the need for timely legislative consideration.”
Rotimi said the emergency sitting “reflects the resolve of the House to respond promptly to issues with far-reaching implications for the nation’s democratic process. Deliberations will focus on relevant legislative matters connected to the announcement, in line with the constitutional responsibilities of the National Assembly.”
The statement further read, “All legislative business relating to the matter is expected to be addressed expeditiously.
“Honourable members have been strongly advised to prioritise attendance, given the importance of the issues under consideration.
“The House remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions through responsive and responsible lawmaking, and acting in the best interest of Nigerians on all matters.”
The emergency sitting comes amid renewed legislative efforts to amend the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Senate and the House of Representatives had previously considered separate versions of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
Following the passage of the bill in different forms by the two chambers, conference committees were constituted to harmonise areas of disagreement, in line with parliamentary procedure. The conference committees, comprising members drawn from both the Senate and the House, are mandated to reconcile variations in clauses, adopt agreed positions and present a unified report for final passage by each chamber.
Key issues under review include timelines for party primaries, provisions relating to electronic transmission of results and the legal framework for technological innovations in the electoral process.
The harmonised bill, once adopted by both chambers, will be transmitted to the President for assent. Lawmakers have expressed the need to conclude work on the amendments well ahead of the next electoral cycle to provide clarity for political parties, candidates and the electoral umpire.
The development follows the recent announcement by INEC of the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections. The early release of the timetable is in keeping with the commission’s practice of providing long lead times to enable political parties and other stakeholders to prepare adequately.
The timetable outlines key milestones, including the conduct of party primaries, submission of candidates’ lists, commencement of campaigns and the dates for presidential, National Assembly, governorship and state assembly elections.
The release has heightened the urgency within the National Assembly to finalise amendments to the Electoral Act, particularly where proposed changes may affect timelines, procedures or the powers of the commission.
Tuesday’s emergency sitting is expected to focus on ensuring that the legal framework governing the 2027 elections is settled in good time, in line with constitutional requirements and democratic best practice.
