The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved and issued a Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election shifting dates for the presidential and governorship polls in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the adjustment is coming 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
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“The Commission had earlier fixed Saturday, 20th February 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections.
“Following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026… the Commission has reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework,” Haruna disclosed
Accordingly, the Commission has resolved as follows:
1. Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 16th January 2027.
2. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 6th February 2027.
Key Milestones in the Timetable
In accordance with the approved Schedule of Activities:
✓ Conduct of Party Primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from primaries, will commence on 23rd April 2026 and end on 30th May 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 electtoral umpire also announced a minor adjustment to the Osun State governorship election, moving it from August 8 to August 15, 2026.
It noted that while some activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, all remaining processes would strictly follow the new Electoral Act.
Haruna emphasised that the success of the elections would depend on collective effort.
“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility. The Commission calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” he stated.
With the revised calendar now in place, political parties, candidates, and voters are expected to adjust their preparations as Nigeria moves into another election cycle under an amended law.
