The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised the timetable for the 2027 General Election, announcing new dates for the Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls following the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.
In a press statement issued on Thursday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission said the adjustment became necessary after the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the introduction of new statutory timelines under the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC had earlier scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly Elections for Saturday, February 20, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections for Saturday, March 6, 2027.
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However, under the revised timetable, Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections have been moved to Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The Commission stated that the changes were made to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework governing pre-election and electoral activities.
INEC noted that the party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the primaries, will commence on April 23, 2026, and end on May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly candidates will begin on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will start on September 9, 2026.
The Commission emphasised that all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day, in line with the law, warning political parties to strictly adhere to the timelines. It added that it would enforce compliance.
INEC also announced the rescheduling of the Osun State Governorship Election. The poll, earlier fixed for Saturday, August 8, 2026, will now hold on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The Commission noted that while some activities relating to the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, all outstanding processes would be implemented in strict accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC maintained that the revised dates are consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026, and called on political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.
“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility,” the statement added.
