By David Lawani, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has advanced the dates for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, setting the presidential and National Assembly polls for January 16, 2027, and the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections for February 6, 2027.
The electoral umpire said the shift followed the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022, and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced new timelines governing pre-election and election activities.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the Commission had adjusted the timetable to fully comply with the new legal framework.
“The Commission has reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework,” he said.
The new dates represent a significant departure from the Commission’s earlier schedule, which had fixed the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and the governorship and State Assembly polls for March 6, 2027.
INEC also outlined key milestones ahead of the elections, beginning with party primaries scheduled to run from April 23, 2026, to May 30, 2026, and including the resolution of disputes arising from the exercises.
Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while those for governorship and State Assembly elections will start on September 9, 2026.
The Commission reminded political parties that campaigns must end 24 hours before election day and warned that it would strictly enforce compliance with the law.
In a related development, INEC rescheduled the Osun State governorship election from August 8 to August 15, 2026, to align with the provisions of the new Electoral Act.
The Commission noted that although some activities related to the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, all outstanding processes would now proceed under the revised legal framework.
INEC stressed that the revised timetable is consistent with the Constitution and reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible and transparent elections.
It called on political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to cooperate with the Commission to ensure peaceful and credible polls.
“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility,” Haruna said.
The release of the revised timetable formally signals the start of political activities nationwide ahead of the 2027 general elections, expected to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
