The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised the timetable for the 2027 general elections, fixing January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections and February 6, 2027, for the governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls. Under the updated schedule, presidential and national assembly elections will now take place on January 16, […]
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised the timetable for the 2027 general elections, fixing January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections and February 6, 2027, for the governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls.
Under the updated schedule, presidential and national assembly elections will now take place on January 16, 2027, while governorship and state houses of assembly elections have been slated for February 6, 2027. The commission had previously fixed February 20 and March 6, 2027, for the two phases of the polls before the latest adjustment.
The electoral body explained that the change became necessary following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the signing into law of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced modifications to timelines governing pre-election and electoral processes.
In a statement issued by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, national commissioner and chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC said it reviewed and realigned its calendar to ensure full compliance with the new legal provisions.
According to the revised programme, political parties will conduct their primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the exercises, between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Campaigns for presidential and national assembly candidates are scheduled to begin on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will kick off on September 9, 2026.
The commission stressed that electioneering activities must cease 24 hours before polling day, urging political parties to strictly observe the stipulated timelines. It added that enforcement mechanisms would be activated to guarantee adherence to the law.
INEC also announced a minor adjustment to the Osun State off-cycle governorship election, shifting it from August 8 to August 15, 2026. The commission noted that while some preparatory activities for Ekiti and Osun elections have already been concluded, all outstanding processes will proceed in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.
Reaffirming its commitment to credible and transparent polls, INEC called on stakeholders, including political parties, civil society groups and voters to collaborate in ensuring peaceful and inclusive elections that truly reflect the will of Nigerians.