The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, fixing new dates for key national and state polls.
Under the updated schedule, Nigerians will head to the polls to elect the President and members of the National Assembly on January 16, 2027.
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections across the country will follow on February 6, 2027.
The electoral body said the adjustments were necessary to align its plans with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu after its passage by the National Assembly.
In a statement issued Thursday night in Abuja, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, explained that the introduction of the new legal framework required a comprehensive review of previously announced election dates.
According to him, the Commission has now “reviewed and realigned” its schedule to ensure full compliance with the 2026 Act.
Changes to Off-Cycle Elections
The revised calendar also affects off-cycle governorship contests.
INEC confirmed that the Osun State governorship election, earlier planned for August 8, 2026, will now hold on August 15, 2026.
The Commission noted that preparations for the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls are already underway. While some activities have been completed, all remaining processes will strictly follow the provisions of the new Electoral Act.
Timelines for Political Parties
Political parties are expected to adjust their internal processes to fit the new framework.
Party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, are scheduled to run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
Campaign activities have also been clearly outlined. Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly candidates will commence on August 19, 2026, while governorship and State House of Assembly campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026.
INEC emphasised that all political campaigns must end 24 hours before election day, in line with statutory requirements.
Haruna urged political parties and stakeholders to strictly observe the new timelines, warning that the Commission would enforce compliance with the law.
Reaffirming its commitment to credible polls, INEC stated that the revised timetable remains consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2026.
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The Commission also called on citizens, political actors, and civil society groups to work together to ensure peaceful, transparent, and inclusive elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people.