By The LEVI JOHNSON | October 16, 2025 | Abuja
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Ogunbanwo, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to consider conducting Nigeria’s next general elections in late 2026 instead of February 2027.
According to Ogunbanwo, the adjustment would help avert the distractions and uncertainty that often accompany post-election litigations after newly elected officials are sworn into office.
Speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, on Thursday, the lawmaker representing the Ijebu Central Federal Constituency expressed support for a proposal contained in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, currently before the National Assembly.
The bill, unveiled during a joint public hearing organized by the Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters, seeks to repeal the 2022 Electoral Act and enact a new one with several reforms to Nigeria’s electoral framework.
“One of the proposals is that we should move the election forward to maybe late 2026 as against early 2027, so that there could be enough time to resolve election litigation matters and allow the judicial process to conclude before swearing-in,” Ogunbanwo said.
“We have not brought it to the House yet; it’s still being considered at the committee level. After gathering all the submissions, the committee will come up with its recommendations.”
Ogunbanwo said the move would promote political stability and strengthen public confidence in the country’s democratic system. He cited his own experience awaiting a court judgment while serving in office, describing it as “a psychological burden that affects performance and focus.”
“It will allow whoever wins the election to concentrate from day one,” he added. “I remember my own experience — on the day judgment was to be delivered in my case, I was in plenary, and colleagues joked that if it didn’t go in my favour, I’d go home straight from the chamber. That uncertainty affects governance.”
The lawmaker noted that many observers believe once a candidate is sworn in, the judiciary becomes hesitant to rule against them because of the “undue advantage” conferred by incumbency.
Balancing Governance and Electoral Reforms
When asked if the adjustment might shorten Nigeria’s governance cycle or create a perpetual campaign atmosphere, Ogunbanwo urged Nigerians to weigh both sides carefully.
“People are already showing interest and campaigning informally. Even if INEC frowns at it, campaigns start early,” he said. “We must decide whether to conclude litigation before swearing in or live with distractions that affect governance.”
His position aligns with growing calls for electoral reform following prolonged court battles after the 2019 and 2023 general elections. In both instances, several governors and lawmakers governed under the shadow of ongoing petitions, causing uncertainty and off-cycle elections in states like Edo, Osun, Anambra, Ondo, Bayelsa, Ekiti, Imo, and Kogi.
Analysts say off-cycle elections often arise from judicial annulments, political crises, or constitutional irregularities, creating administrative and financial burdens for INEC.
Debate on Judicial Reforms
While some stakeholders support Ogunbanwo’s position, others propose judicial reforms — such as sending presidential election petitions directly to the Supreme Court, as practiced in Kenya.
Responding, Ogunbanwo said the idea, though appealing, could overwhelm Nigeria’s judiciary.
“The Supreme Court would have to handle enormous volumes of evidence and witnesses, which may not be easy to conclude within a limited time,” he explained.
“The Court already has original jurisdiction in certain cases, but assuming full responsibility for presidential petitions could make timely rulings impossible.”
He added that while such proposals merit consideration, careful evaluation is needed to ensure that judicial efficiency and democratic fairness are not compromised.
