The Independent National Electoral Commission has revised the timetable for the 2027 general elections, announcing January 16, 2027, as the new date for the presidential and National Assembly elections.
The electoral body said the adjustment became necessary following amendments to Nigeria’s electoral framework, particularly the replacement of the Electoral Act 2022 with the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026, which introduced fresh statutory deadlines.
In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, explained that the commission carried out a comprehensive review of previously announced dates to ensure compliance with the new legislation.
INEC stated that governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have now been scheduled for February 6, 2027, replacing the earlier arrangement that placed the polls later in the election cycle.
The commission also announced a change to the Osun State governorship election, shifting it from August 8 to August 15, 2026, while noting that ongoing preparations for the Ekiti and Osun elections would proceed under the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
According to the updated schedule, political parties are to conduct their primaries and conclude related disputes between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Campaign activities for presidential and National Assembly candidates will commence on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026.
Haruna advised political parties and stakeholders to strictly observe the approved timelines, stressing that campaigns must end 24 hours before polling day, and called for collective cooperation to ensure credible, peaceful and inclusive elections across the country.
