The Independent National Electoral Commission has approved a new timetable for the 2027 general elections, moving the presidential and National Assembly polls to Saturday, January 16, 2027.
Previously, the elections were scheduled for February 20, 2027, with governorship and state House of Assembly elections fixed for March 6, 2027. The earlier dates drew criticism from sections of the public, especially some Muslim groups, who said the timetable clashed with the holy month of Ramadan.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said in a statement that governorship and state Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
He explained that the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which introduced new statutory timelines for pre election and election activities. INEC said the schedule was reviewed and realigned to comply fully with the new law.
Under the revised timetable, party primaries and the resolution of disputes from those primaries will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026. Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will start on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and state Assembly polls will begin on September 9, 2026. Campaigns must end 24 hours before each election day.
Haruna said the detailed timetable has been published on INEC’s website and official platforms. He warned political parties to strictly follow the new dates, stressing that the commission will enforce compliance with the law.
INEC also rescheduled the Osun State governorship election from August 8 to August 15, 2026. The commission noted that some activities for the Ekiti and Osun polls have already taken place but said all remaining steps will now be carried out under the Electoral Act 2026.
The commission maintained that the new dates are consistent with the 1999 Constitution and urged all stakeholders to work together for peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the will of Nigerians.
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