Abuja — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised the timetable for the 2027 General Election following the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
Under the new schedule:
Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027.
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The elections were previously scheduled for February 20 and March 6, 2027, respectively.
INEC said the adjustment became necessary to align with changes to statutory timelines introduced under the new electoral law.
Revised Political Calendar
Key dates released by the Commission include:
-Party primaries and dispute resolution: April 23 – May 30, 2026
-Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly elections: Begin August 19, 2026
-Governorship and State Assembly campaigns: Begin September 9, 2026
Campaigns must end 24 hours before election day, in line with the law.
The Commission also confirmed the rescheduling of the Osun State governorship election to reflect the updated legal framework, with further details to follow.
INEC urged political parties to strictly comply with the new timetable, warning that it will enforce all statutory provisions governing pre-election and campaign activities.
The revised schedule formally kicks off Nigeria’s 2027 electoral cycle, with parties expected to begin internal preparations ahead of primaries next year.