INEC Revises Election Timetable
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable for the 2027 General Elections following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which introduced major adjustments to statutory timelines governing electoral activities.
In a statement signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission confirmed that the presidential and National Assembly elections will now be held on Saturday, 16 January 2027, instead of the earlier scheduled date of 20 February 2027.
The governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have also been moved from 6 March 2027 to Saturday, 6 February 2027.
According to INEC, the decision to realign the timetable was taken to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the new Electoral Act 2026, which modifies timelines for party primaries, campaigns and other pre-election activities.
Under the revised schedule, party primaries, including the resolution of disputes, will run from 23 April to 30 May 2026. Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on 19 August 2026, while campaigns for the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will begin on 9 September 2026.
By law, all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day, and the commission warned that it will enforce strict adherence to the dates.
The revised timetable has been published on the commission’s website and other official communication channels for public access.
INEC also announced that the Osun State governorship election, initially scheduled for 8 August 2026, had been shifted to 15 August 2026.
The commission noted that although some preparatory activities for the Osun and Ekiti State governorship elections had to bb already been carried out, the remaining activities will now be implemented in line with the Electoral Act 2026.
INEC stressed that the revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering credible, peaceful and inclusive elections.
