The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved and released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election, following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.
In a press statement issued on February 26, 2026, and signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission said the adjustments were necessary to align with the new legal framework.
Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027.
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The elections were previously scheduled for February 20 and March 6, 2027, respectively.
INEC outlined major milestones in the updated timetable:
Party primaries, including the resolution of disputes, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026.
Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026.
Campaigns are expected to end 24 hours before Election Day, in accordance with the law.
The Commission urged political parties to strictly adhere to the timelines, warning that compliance will be enforced.
INEC also announced that the Osun State Governorship Election, earlier fixed for August 8, 2026, has been shifted to Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The Commission noted that while some activities relating to the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been completed, the remaining processes will proceed in line with the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC reaffirmed that the revised dates are consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the new Electoral Act. It called on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the will of Nigerians.