The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled a new timetable for the 2027 general elections following recent amendments to Nigeria’s electoral law.
In a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission explained that the revised schedule became necessary after the amended Electoral Act was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
According to INEC, the changes in the legal framework required a comprehensive adjustment of previously announced election dates and activities.
The Updated Timetable
Under the updated timetable, Nigerians will head to the polls to elect the President and members of the National Assembly on Saturday, January 16, 2027. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are now slated for Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The commission also outlined key milestones leading up to the elections.
Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly candidates will officially begin on August 19, 2026, while governorship and State Assembly campaigns are scheduled to commence on September 9, 2026.
In line with electoral regulations, all campaigns must conclude 24 hours before polling day.
INEC further announced an adjustment to the Osun State governorship election.
Initially fixed for August 8, 2026, the exercise will now take place on August 15, 2026.
A Smooth Process
While some preparatory activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been concluded, the commission assured stakeholders that all remaining processes will strictly comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
INEC emphasised that the revised timetable is designed to ensure clarity, legal compliance, and a smooth electoral process as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.