The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced new dates for the 2027 General Elections, shifting the presidential and National Assembly polls to January, while governorship and state assembly elections will now be conducted in February.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the commission approved a revised timetable and schedule of activities following the enactment of a new electoral law.
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, under the Electoral Act, 2022. However, the repeal of that law and the introduction of the Electoral Act, 2026 prompted a review of the timeline.
According to the commission, the presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are set for Saturday, February 6, 2027.
INEC explained that the changes were necessary to align with new statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities as stipulated in the Electoral Act, 2026.
The revised timetable also outlines key pre-election activities. Party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will take place 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.
The commission reminded political parties that all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day and warned that it would strictly enforce compliance with the law.
INEC further disclosed a minor adjustment to the Osun State governorship election, which has been moved from August 8 to August 15, 2026.
While noting that some processes for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been completed, the commission assured that all outstanding activities would strictly comply with the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC emphasised that the revised schedule is in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the new Electoral Act. It called on political parties, stakeholders and citizens to work together to ensure peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
