The House of Representatives will reconvene for an emergency sitting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to deliberate on issues arising from the recently released timetable for the 2027 General Election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The decision was announced in a statement signed by the House spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi, who said members were notified through an internal memorandum issued by the Office of the Speaker late Friday.

According to the statement, the emergency session underscores the constitutional and national significance of the development and the need for prompt legislative attention.

“The emergency sitting demonstrates the House’s resolve to respond swiftly to issues with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democratic process,” the statement said.

Lawmakers are expected to focus on legislative matters connected to INEC’s announcement, in line with the constitutional responsibilities of the National Assembly.

“All legislative business relating to the matter is expected to be addressed expeditiously,” the statement added, noting that members have been strongly advised to prioritise attendance due to the importance of the issues under consideration.

The House reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening democratic institutions through responsive lawmaking in the interest of Nigerians.

INEC had on Friday announced that the Presidential and National Assembly elections would be held on February 20, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections are scheduled for March 6, 2027. The commission also fixed party primaries between May 22 and June 20, 2026.

The announcement has generated concerns among some Nigerians, particularly Muslims, who noted that February 20, 2027, falls within the holy month of Ramadan. They expressed worries that fasting could affect voter turnout as well as the efficiency of electoral officials and observers.

Among those who raised concerns is former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, who urged INEC to reconsider the date due to its overlap with Ramadan.

Responding to the concerns, INEC said the timetable was developed in strict compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and its 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections.

In a statement issued by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, the commission stated that the regulations, in effect since 2019, guide the scheduling of elections.

He added that the commission is undertaking consultations and may seek legislative intervention where necessary to address the concerns, while ensuring that any adjustment remains consistent with constitutional and statutory provisions.

INEC reiterated its commitment to transparency, inclusivity and the credible conduct of the 2027 General Election, assuring the public that it would provide updates on any further developments.

President Bola Tinubu will pay a one-day official visit to Kebbi State on Saturday, where he is scheduled to inaugurate a number of infrastructure and public service projects completed by the state government.

In a statement from the State House, the visit was described as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen development and enhance service delivery under the administration of Governor Nasir Idris.

A major highlight of the visit will be the President’s role as special guest of honour at the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, one of Africa’s best-known cultural tourism events.

Held at the historic Matan Fada riverside, the festival features traditional fishing contests, music, dance, and other cultural exhibitions that attract local and international visitors. The event has also received global recognition from UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

According to the State House, the President’s participation underscores the federal government’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage and positioning major festivals as drivers of tourism and local economic growth.

The Senate has approved the adoption of both electronic and manual methods for the transmission of election results from polling units nationwide.

The resolution was reached during plenary in Abuja on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, following sustained public pressure against proposals to restrict electronic transmission in the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act 2022.

As part of the amendment, lawmakers revised Clause 60 of the Act to mandate presiding officers at polling units to electronically transmit election results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing (IREV) portal.

Announcing the decision, Senate President Godswill Akpabio explained that where electronic transmission is not feasible due to network or communication challenges, the manual result sheet—Form EC8A—will serve as the primary document for collation.

According to him, the dual transmission system is designed to address technical limitations in some areas while ensuring compliance with the provisions of the amended electoral law.

The Senate’s approval comes after days of protests and public outcry at the National Assembly, with civil society organisations and demonstrators calling for the retention of electronic transmission as a safeguard against electoral manipulation and a means of restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.