The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections.
INEC had earlier fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections pursuant to the Electoral Act, 2022.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission said: “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.”
Consequently, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
INEC outlined key milestones in the timetable in accordance with the approved schedule of activities:
– The conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from primaries, will commence on April 23, 2026, and end on May 30, 2026.
– Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on August 19, 2026.
– Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026.
The electoral body disclosed that, as provided by law, campaigns will end 24 hours before election day and advised political parties to adhere strictly to the timelines.
INEC stated that it will enforce compliance with the law, noting that the revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election reflecting these adjustments have been issued and can be accessed on its official website and other official communication platforms.
On the Osun State governorship election, the Commission confirmed that the election earlier fixed for Saturday, August 8, 2026, has been rescheduled to Saturday, August 15, 2026.
While affirming that some activities in respect of the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been conducted, INEC stressed that the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.
“The revised dates are consistent 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,” it said.
The Commission further called on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.
