The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election, following recent amendments to the country’s electoral laws.
The Commission had initially scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for 20 February 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls were fixed for 6 March 2027. However, the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026 have necessitated a realignment of statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral processes.
In compliance with the new legal framework, INEC has rescheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections to Saturday, 16 January 2027. The Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will now take place on Saturday, 6 February 2027.
Under the revised schedule, political party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will be conducted between 23 April and 30 May 2026. Campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections are set to commence on 19 August 2026, while Governorship and State Assembly campaigns will begin on 9 September 2026.
In line with electoral regulations, all campaigns must end 24 hours before polling day. The Commission urged political parties to comply strictly with the approved timelines, noting that it would enforce adherence to the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC also announced an adjustment to the Osun State Governorship Election, which has been moved from 8 August 2026 to 15 August 2026. While some preparatory activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already taken place, the remaining processes will now proceed in accordance with the new law.
The Commission affirmed that the updated schedule aligns with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the Electoral Act, 2026.
It emphasised that the successful conduct of the forthcoming elections is a shared responsibility and called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure peaceful, credible and inclusive polls that reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
