2027 Election Timetable Released by INEC
The 2027 election timetable has been officially released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), confirming new dates for Nigeria’s next general elections following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
INEC announced that the presidential and National Assembly elections will now take place on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027. The revised 2027 election timetable replaces earlier dates that were initially announced by the commission.
According to a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the adjustment became necessary after the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the introduction of new timelines under the Electoral Act 2026.
INEC explained that the new schedule aligns with both the Electoral Act 2026 and the 1999 Constitution (as amended), ensuring legal compliance ahead of the general elections.
Under the revised 2027 election timetable, political party primaries and the resolution of disputes arising from them will take place between April 23 and May 30, 2026. This period will allow political parties to select their candidates ahead of the general elections.
Campaign activities for presidential and National Assembly candidates will officially begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and State Assembly elections will start on September 9, 2026. INEC reminded political parties that campaigns must end at least 24 hours before election day, in accordance with electoral laws.
INEC also announced a minor adjustment to the Osun State governorship election, which has been moved from August 8 to August 15, 2026. The commission stated that although some processes for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already started, all remaining activities would follow the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
The new 2027 election timetable was introduced shortly after President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Act 2026 into law. The legislation replaced the Electoral Act 2022 and introduced new statutory timelines for election preparations.
Earlier election dates announced in February 2026 had drawn criticism because they coincided with the Ramadan fasting period observed by Muslims. The revised dates are expected to address those concerns and allow for broader participation by voters.
INEC emphasised that the success of the elections will depend on cooperation among stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, civil society groups, and voters.
The commission urged Nigerians to support efforts to ensure peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections as preparations begin for another election cycle.
Source: Adapted from INEC statement and election timetable reports.
