The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rescheduled the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections to Saturday, January 16, 2027, following the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections have also been moved to Saturday, February 6, 2027.
In a statement issued on Thursday by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, the Commission said the adjustment was necessary to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework and to allow for the orderly conduct of pre-election activities, including party primaries and campaigns.
Prior to the revision, the Presidential and National Assembly elections were scheduled for February 20, 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls were fixed for March 6, 2027. The earlier timetable had drawn criticism from some segments of the public, particularly Muslim groups, who expressed concerns that the dates coincided with the holy month of Ramadan.
INEC explained that the amended Clause 28 of the Electoral Act, 2026 now mandates the Commission to publish notice of elections not later than 300 days before the date fixed for the conduct of the polls in each state of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
As part of the revised schedule, party primaries — including the resolution of disputes arising from them — will commence on April 23, 2026, and conclude on May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections are slated to begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will start on September 9, 2026.
The Commission emphasised that all political campaigns must end 24 hours before Election Day, in line with the law, and warned that strict compliance with the timelines would be enforced.
INEC also announced a minor adjustment to the Osun State Governorship election, shifting it from August 8, 2026, to August 15, 2026. It noted that while some activities relating to the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already taken place, all remaining processes will strictly adhere to the provisions of 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 called on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.
