ABUJA/Nigeria: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election following the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.
In a statement issued on February 26, 2026, by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission announced that the adjustments were necessitated by the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the introduction of new statutory timelines under the 2026 law.
INEC disclosed that the Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections have been rescheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The Commission had earlier fixed February 20, 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and March 6, 2027 for the Governorship and State Assembly polls before the legal review prompted a realignment of the electoral calendar.
According to the revised schedule, party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will commence on April 23, 2026 and conclude on May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly elections are set to begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026.
INEC reiterated that all campaigns must end 24 hours before Election Day in line with the law and advised political parties to strictly comply with the stipulated timelines, warning that the Commission would enforce full adherence.
The Commission also announced a change in the date for the Osun State Governorship Election, which has now been shifted from August 8, 2026 to August 15, 2026.
INEC noted that while some preparatory activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, all remaining processes would be implemented in strict compliance with the Electoral Act, 2026.
The electoral body emphasized that the revised timetable is consistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.
It further stressed that the successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility and called on stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive polls that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.
The revised timetable has been made available on the Commission’s official website and other communication platforms.
