The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a major adjustment to the timetable for the 2027 general elections, moving the presidential and National Assembly polls to January 16, 2027, in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
The revised schedule was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, who explained that the changes became necessary following the introduction of a new legal framework governing electoral activities.
According to the Commission, the earlier timetable released under the Electoral Act 2022 required a comprehensive review to align with the updated provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. The presidential and National Assembly elections, previously scheduled for February 20, 2027, will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027.
Similarly, the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have been rescheduled to February 6, 2027, instead of the initially announced March 6 date.
INEC noted that the adjustments represent a significant shift from its earlier election calendar but were necessary to ensure strict compliance with existing electoral laws and constitutional requirements.
The revised timetable also affects off-cycle elections. The Osun State governorship election, earlier fixed for August 8, 2026, has now been moved to August 15, 2026. The Commission stated that ongoing preparations for both Ekiti and Osun governorship polls would continue, with all remaining activities implemented in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026.
As part of preparations for the general elections, political party primaries are scheduled to commence on April 23, 2026, and must be concluded by May 30, 2026, including the resolution of disputes arising from the exercises.
Campaign activities for presidential and National Assembly candidates will officially begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and State Assembly elections are expected to start on September 9, 2026.
Haruna urged political parties and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the new timelines, warning that the Commission would enforce full compliance with the law. He also reiterated that all political campaigns must end 24 hours before election day, as stipulated by the Electoral Act.
INEC emphasized that the revised schedule remained consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and called on political actors, civil society groups, and citizens to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections that reflect the will of Nigerians.
