The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has announced new dates for the 2027 General Election following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the passage of a new Electoral Act, 2026, which altered key statutory timelines.
Under the revised schedule, the Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027 — moved earlier from the previously announced date of February 20, 2027. The Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections are similarly shifted to Saturday, February 6, 2027, replacing the earlier date of March 6, 2027.
INEC said the adjustments were necessary to bring the election timetable into full compliance with the new legal framework introduced by the Electoral Act, 2026.
On the road to the polls, political parties are expected to conduct their primaries — including resolution of any disputes arising from them — between April 23 and May 30, 2026. Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly candidates will kick off on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly candidates will begin September 9, 2026. All campaigns must wrap up 24 hours before Election Day, as required by law. The Commission warned that it will enforce strict compliance.
In a related development, the Osun State Governorship Election has been pushed by one week — from August 8, 2026 to August 15, 2026. INEC noted that while some preparatory activities for both the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already taken place, all remaining activities will proceed in line with the Electoral Act, 2026.
The Commission stressed that the revised dates are consistent with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, and the new electoral law. It urged all stakeholders — political parties, candidates, civil society groups, and voters — to cooperate in delivering peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections that truly reflect the will of Nigerians.
The full revised timetable is available on INEC’s official website and communication platforms.
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