The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election.
In the revised timetable, presidential and National Assembly elections now hold on Saturday January 16, 2027, as Against February 20, 2027 as earlier scheduled.
Also, governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections previously fixed for March 6, 2027 will now hold on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
INEC in a statement by Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, explained that adjustment is as a result of 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.
Haruna who is also INEC’s National Commissioner, added that the review and realignment is to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework.
Consequently, following the review, the commission said conduct of party primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from primaries, would commence on April 23, 2026 and end on May 30, 2026.
“Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on 19th August 2026,” INEC stated, adding that governorship and state Houses of Assembly campaigns 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,” it warned.
INEC also disclosed that the Osun State governorship election, earlier fixed for Saturday, August 8, 2026, has been rescheduled to Saturday, August 15, 2026.
It also added that some activities in respect of the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been conducted.
“However, the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.
“The revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026,” the commission stated.
INEC reminded Nigerians that successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility, and called on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.
