Abuja, Nigeria – February 18, 2026

President Bola Tinubu has signed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026 into law.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially signed the amended Electoral Bill into law, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 general elections. The signing ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, in the presence of senior government officials and members of the National Assembly.

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The newly enacted law reduces the mandatory notice period for general elections from 360 days to 300 days. Lawmakers said the amendment was necessary to prevent the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections from clashing with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The move followed weeks of debate in both chambers of the National Assembly.

Speaking shortly after signing the bill, President Tinubu described the amendment as “a timely and strategic adjustment” aimed at ensuring inclusivity and smooth electoral operations. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to credible, transparent, and peaceful elections, stressing that electoral reforms remain a priority under his leadership.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to review its timetable and operational guidelines in line with the new legal provisions. Political parties and stakeholders have begun reacting to the development, with some praising the adjustment while others have called for broader reforms, including clarity on electronic transmission of results.

With the bill now signed into law, preparations for the 2027 elections are expected to intensify, as INEC and political actors align their strategies with the revised electoral calendar. The amendment represents one of the first major legal steps toward shaping the next general elections in Nigeria.