The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The Commission 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 polls. However, adjustments introduced by the new Electoral Act, 2026 necessitated a realignment of statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities.
Under the revised schedule, Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have been moved to Saturday, February 6, 2027.
Key Dates and Deadlines
INEC disclosed that 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 scheduled to begin on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026. In line with the law, all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day.
The Commission urged political parties to strictly comply with the approved timelines, warning that it would enforce full adherence to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Osun Governorship Election Shifted
INEC also announced the rescheduling of the Osun State Governorship Election from Saturday, August 8, 2026 to Saturday, August 15, 2026.
While noting that some activities relating to the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been conducted, the Commission said all remaining processes would be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.
According to INEC, the revised dates are consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the new Electoral Act.
The Commission reiterated that the successful conduct of the forthcoming elections is a collective responsibility and called on stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive polls that reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
