The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised the timetable for the 2027 general election, shifting the presidential and National Assembly polls to January and the governorship and state assembly elections to February.
Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, national commissioner and chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, said in a statement released on Wednesday that the commission has approved a revised timetable and schedule of activities in response to modifications in the election law.
In accordance with the Electoral Act of 2022, INEC had previously 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.
Nonetheless, the commission stated that a review of the schedule was required due to the repeal of the Electoral Act of 2022 and the implementation of the Electoral Act of 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.
According to the commission, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now be held on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
In the updated schedule, the commission also specified important benchmarks.
It announced that the conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will commence on April 23, 2026, and end on 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,” INEC stated.
The commission cautioned political parties that it will strictly enforce compliance and reminded them that campaigning must conclude 24 hours before election day.
“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.
According to INEC, the updated schedule is now available on its official website and other communication channels.
Additionally, the commission declared a minor modification to the governorship election in Osun State.
“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.
While part of the activities for the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun had already taken place, INEC stated that the remaining procedures will strictly adhere to the Electoral Act of 2026.
It emphasized that the updated dates align with both the Electoral Act of 2026 and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) Constitution.
The commission declared, “The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility.”
It urged all parties involved to work together to guarantee inclusive, peaceful, and credible elections that represent the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.
