The National Assembly will reconvene for plenary sessions on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, amid strong indications that lawmakers may take up the long-awaited Electoral Act Amendment Bill as part of urgent national business.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, announced that both chambers would return simultaneously, calling on lawmakers to ensure full participation.


“The Senate and the House of Representatives will reconvene plenary sessions at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 17th February 2026,” the statement read, adding that “both Chambers are expected to deliberate and take crucial decisions during the session.”

Although the agenda for the sitting was not formally outlined, the timing has heightened expectations that the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 could be tabled for consideration and possible passage.

A separate circular from the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, conveyed that the directive was issued on the instruction of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The notice urged senators to adjust their schedules in view of the importance of the session.


“All Distinguished Senators are kindly requested to note and reschedule their engagements accordingly to enable them attend, as very crucial decisions will be taken on national issues during the session,” the notice stated.

The House of Representatives also confirmed the emergency sitting, linking it directly to recent developments in the electoral process.

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According to the House spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi, the decision followed the release of the timetable for the 2027 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The House of Representatives will reconvene for an emergency sitting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to review matters arising from the recent announcement of the 2027 General Election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” the statement said.

It explained that the sitting was necessitated by “the constitutional and national significance of the development and the need for timely legislative consideration,” adding that “deliberations will focus on relevant legislative matters connected to the 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 House added, urging members to prioritise attendance.

Originally, the Senate had planned to resume plenary on February 24 after a short recess for committee oversight of the 2026 budget, while the House was scheduled to return on February 17.

The decision for a joint resumption underscores the urgency lawmakers attach to electoral reforms ahead of the next general elections.

Sources said the conference committee on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, constituted by both chambers, is expected to meet on Monday, ahead of Tuesday’s sitting.

The committee’s report, once finalised, is expected to be laid before both chambers for consideration and possible passage.