The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has revised the schedule for the 2027 general elections, moving the presidential and National Assembly polls to January and the governorship and state assembly elections to February.
In a statement on Thursday, the national commissioner and chairman of the information and voter education committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the changes followed the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.
“Following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities, the Commission has reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework,” the statement read.
Under the revised timetable, presidential and National Assembly elections are now scheduled for Saturday, January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will hold on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
INEC also outlined key milestones in the electoral calendar. Party primaries, including dispute resolutions, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
“Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on 19th August 2026, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on 9th September 2026,” the commission stated.
The commission reminded political parties that campaigns must end 24 hours before each election and pledged strict enforcement.
“As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law,” the statement stated.
INEC confirmed that the revised timetable has been published on its official website and other communication channels.
The commission also announced a slight adjustment to the Osun State governorship poll, moving it from August 8 to August 15, 2026.
“In addition, the Osun State Governorship Election, earlier fixed for Saturday, 8th August 2026, has been rescheduled to Saturday, 15th August 2026,” the statement added.
INEC emphasised that the updated schedule aligns with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.
“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility,” the commission said, calling on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections.
Comments