Just In: INEC Changes Dates Of 2027 General Election
Written by News Desk on February 26, 2026
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved and issued a Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.
This is contained in a statement by the National Commissioner, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
The Commission had earlier fixed Saturday, 20th February 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, 6th March 2027 for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections pursuant to the Electoral Act, 2022.
According to the statement, Following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities, the Commission has reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework.
Accordingly, the Commission has resolved as follows:
1. Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 16th January 2027.
2. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 6th February 2027.
Key Milestones in the Timetable
In accordance with the approved Schedule of Activities:
* Conduct of Party Primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from primaries, will commence on 23rd April 2026 and end on 30th May 2026.
* Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on 19th August 2026.
* Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on 9th September 2026.
The statement notes that, as provided by law, campaigns shall end 24 hours before Election Day. Political parties are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these timelines. The Commission will enforce compliance with the law.
The statement indicates that the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election reflecting these adjustments have been issued and can be accessed on the Commission’s official website and other official communication platforms.
The statement adds that, the Osun State Governorship Election, earlier fixed for Saturday, 8th August 2026, has been rescheduled to Saturday, 15th August 2026.
It notes that some activities in respect of the Ekiti and Osun Governorship Elections have already been conducted. However, the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.
The statement indicates further that the revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.
While noting that the successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility, the statement concludes by stressing the Commission’s call on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.
