INEC Revises 2027 General Election Timetable, Fixes Jan. 16 for Presidential Poll
By Matthew Eloyi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for Nigeria’s 2027 general election, citing the need to align with the newly enacted Electoral Act, 2026.
In a press statement issued Thursday by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission said the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the introduction of new statutory timelines under the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC had previously scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections for March 6, 2027. However, under the revised timetable, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now take place on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The Commission also outlined key milestones in the electoral calendar. Party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026. Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Assembly campaigns will commence on September 9, 2026. INEC reminded political parties that campaigns must end 24 hours before election day and warned that it will strictly enforce compliance.
Beyond the general election adjustments, the Commission announced a shift in the Osun State governorship election date. The poll, earlier scheduled for August 8, 2026, has been moved to August 15, 2026.
INEC noted that some preparatory activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been completed but assured that remaining processes will strictly comply with the Electoral Act, 2026.
The Commission emphasised that the revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), and the new Electoral Act. It called on political parties, stakeholders, and voters to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections that reflect the will of Nigerians.
The full revised timetable is available on INEC’s official communication platforms.