The National Assembly has announced that both the Senate and the House of Representatives will reconvene plenary sessions on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The announcement was made by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, in a statement issued on Sunday.
“I am directed to inform all Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the National Assembly that the Senate and House of Representatives shall reconvene Plenary session at 11:00am on Tuesday, 17th February 2026 respectively,” the statement read.
“Consequently, all Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members are kindly requested to take note and reschedule their engagements accordingly to enable them attend the session, as very crucial decisions shall be taken by each Chamber during the session.”
The National Assembly did not disclose the specific matters to be deliberated during the sessions.
Lawmakers had earlier suspended plenary to allow more time for the defence of the 2026 budget proposals by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
However, the House of Representatives is expected to reconvene on Tuesday 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 INEC timetable has sparked debate over portions that reportedly clash with the Ramadan period, expected to fall between February 7 and 8, 2027. Following INEC’s release, several Nigerians, including senators, raised concerns about the potential conflict with the Islamic fasting period.
Tuesday’s session may consider adjustments to the electoral timetable to ensure that the fasting period does not interfere with scheduled electoral activities.
The Electoral Act Amendment Bill has been a subject of legislative attention in recent years, with lawmakers making periodic adjustments to electoral procedures and timelines ahead of general elections. The current amendment appears focused on aligning electoral activities with religious and cultural considerations.
The National Assembly typically suspends plenary sessions to allow committees to scrutinise budget proposals and conduct oversight functions. The reconvening of both chambers suggests that urgent legislative business requires immediate attention before lawmakers proceed with other scheduled activities.
The Senate and House of Representatives operate independently but often coordinate on matters of national importance, including constitutional amendments, electoral reforms, and budget approvals. Both chambers must pass identical versions of bills before they can be transmitted to the President for assent.
The timing of the reconvened session, coming shortly after the release of the INEC timetable, indicates that lawmakers are responding to public concerns about the electoral calendar and are seeking to address potential logistical and religious conflicts before the 2027 general elections.
INEC is constitutionally mandated to conduct elections in Nigeria and has the authority to set electoral timetables. However, the National Assembly retains the power to amend the Electoral Act, which governs the conduct of elections in the country.
The commission released the 2027 general election timetable in accordance with its statutory obligation to publish such schedules well in advance of polling dates. The timetable outlines key dates for party primaries, voter registration, campaign periods, and election days for presidential, gubernatorial, and legislative elections.
The clash with Ramadan has raised practical concerns about voter turnout, the availability of electoral officials, and the ability of Muslim candidates and voters to fully participate in electoral activities while observing religious obligations. Ramadan is observed by millions of Nigerians, particularly in the northern states, and involves fasting from dawn to sunset.
Previous electoral cycles have seen similar concerns raised about the timing of elections, though adjustments have been made through legislative and administrative interventions. The National Assembly’s decision to reconvene suggests that lawmakers are taking the matter seriously and may seek to propose amendments that address the scheduling conflict.
The specific amendments to be considered have not been publicly disclosed, but options may include shifting certain electoral activities, extending timelines, or creating exemptions for periods of religious observance.
Both chambers are expected to deliberate on the matter and reach a consensus before transmitting any amendments to the President. The outcome of Tuesday’s session will determine whether the INEC timetable remains unchanged or undergoes legislative modification.:
