The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised its timetable for the 2027 general elections, fixing January 16 and February 6, 2027, as the new dates for the presidential/national assembly and governorship/state assembly polls, respectively.
The commission had earlier scheduled the presidential and national assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and the governorship and state houses of assembly elections for March 6, 2027, in line with the Electoral Act.
However, in a statement issued by Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC said the changes followed the repeal of the 2022 law and the enactment of the Electoral Act.
According to the statement, the new legal framework introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities.
“Accordingly, the Commission has resolved as follows: Presidential and National Assembly elections will now be held on Saturday, January 16, 2027. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will now be held on Saturday, February 6, 2027,” INEC stated.
The commission said party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will commence on April 23, 2026, and end on May 30, 2026.
Presidential and National Assembly campaigns are scheduled to begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and state assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026.
“As provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before election day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law,” the statement added.
INEC said the revised timetable has been published on its official website and other communication platforms.
The commission also announced a change to the off-cycle governorship election in Osun State. The poll, earlier fixed for August 8, 2026, has been rescheduled to August 15, 2026.
INEC noted that some activities related to the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, but remaining processes would now align strictly with the Electoral Act 2026.
The commission maintained that the revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act 2026.
It called on political parties, civil society groups and other stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.
“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility,” INEC said.
