The Independent National Electoral Commission has adjusted the timetable for the 2027 General Elections, moving the presidential and National Assembly polls to January, while governorship and state assembly elections will now hold in February.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna. He explained that the commission approved a revised schedule following recent changes to the country’s electoral legislation.
Originally, the Presidential and National Assembly elections were set 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 made it necessary to review the timeline.
According to the commission, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now take place on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.
INEC also outlined key activities in the new timetable. Party primaries, including the resolution of related disputes, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026. Campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026.
The commission reminded political parties that campaigns must end 24 hours before election day and stressed that strict compliance with the law will be enforced.
In addition, the Osun State governorship election has been shifted from August 8, 2026, to August 15, 2026. INEC noted that while some processes for the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls had already begun, remaining activities would align with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The commission emphasized that the revised timetable is consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and reaffirmed its commitment to conducting peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections. It called on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring a smooth electoral process that reflects the will of the Nigerian people.
