The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, adjusting the dates for presidential and governorship contests in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
In a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission explained that the new legal framework required a comprehensive review of the previously announced schedule to ensure full compliance with the updated law.
Under the earlier arrangement, the Presidential and National Assembly elections were set for February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections were to hold on March 6, 2027. However, the revised timetable now places the Presidential and National Assembly polls on Saturday, January 16, 2027. The Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have been moved to Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The adjustment also affects off-cycle elections. The Osun State governorship election, earlier scheduled for August 8, 2026, will now take place on August 15, 2026. The commission noted that while some preparatory activities for the Ekiti and Osun elections have already been completed, the remaining processes will strictly follow the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
Political parties are expected to begin their primaries on April 23, 2026, with all nomination processes and dispute resolutions to be concluded by May 30, 2026. Campaign activities for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Assembly elections will start on September 9, 2026.
INEC stressed that political parties must strictly adhere to the new timelines, warning that it will enforce compliance with the law. The commission also reiterated that all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day, as stipulated by the Electoral Act 2026.
According to the commission, the revised schedule aligns with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2026. It called on stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring that the 2027 general elections are peaceful, credible, and reflective of the will of the Nigerian people.
