The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved and released a revised timetable for the 2027 General Election following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the new Electoral Act 2026, which introduced significant adjustments to statutory timelines governing electoral processes in Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission confirmed that the dates for the Presidential and National Assembly elections have been moved forward. The elections, previously scheduled for February 20, 2027, will now take place on Saturday, January 16, 2027.
Similarly, the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, which were earlier fixed for March 6, 2027, have been rescheduled to Saturday, February 6, 2027. The Commission explained that the adjustments became necessary to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026, which altered timelines for party primaries, submission of candidates’ names, campaigns, and other pre-election activities.
According to INEC, the revised timetable provides a clearer framework for political parties and stakeholders to organise their internal processes within the bounds of the law. Under the new schedule, political party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026. This period is expected to allow parties sufficient time to conduct transparent primaries and address grievances before the official commencement of campaigns.
Campaign activities for Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are set to commence on September 9, 2026. INEC reiterated that in line with legal requirements, all campaign activities must cease 24 hours before election day. The Commission warned that it will strictly enforce compliance with the campaign timeline and other regulatory provisions to ensure orderliness and fairness in the electoral process.
The revised timetable has been made publicly available through the Commission’s official communication platforms to enable political parties, candidates, civil society organisations, security agencies, and the general public to familiarise themselves with the new schedule.
INEC also announced a slight adjustment to the Osun State governorship election, shifting it from August 8, 2026, to August 15, 2026. The Commission noted that although certain preparatory steps for the Osun and Ekiti governorship elections had already commenced under the previous legal framework, outstanding activities would now be implemented in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
The Commission emphasised that the revised election dates and timelines are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). It reassured Nigerians of its commitment to conducting credible, peaceful, transparent, and inclusive elections that reflect the will of the electorate.
INEC further called on all stakeholders — including political parties, aspirants, candidates, security agencies, the media, civil society groups, and voters — to cooperate fully with the Commission throughout the electoral cycle. It stressed that adherence to the new legal framework and respect for electoral guidelines are critical to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
By realigning the timetable to conform with the Electoral Act 2026, the Commission said it aims to provide clarity, reduce legal uncertainties, and ensure that the 2027 General Election is conducted in a manner that upholds constitutional principles and enhances public confidence in the democratic process.
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