The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, adjusting the dates for the presidential and governorship polls in line with the Electoral Act 2026.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission said the changes followed the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the introduction of new legal timelines.
The Commission had earlier scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for February 20, 2027, and the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections for March 6, 2027.
Haruna explained that the timetable was reviewed to align with the requirements of the Electoral Act 2026 and ensure compliance with the new legal framework.
Under the revised schedule, the presidential and National Assembly elections will now take place on January 16, 2027. The governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will follow on February 6, 2027.
INEC also outlined key activities ahead of the elections. Party primaries, including the resolution of related disputes, will hold between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for presidential and National Assembly candidates will begin on August 19, 2026, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will start on September 9, 2026.
The Commission said campaigns must end 24 hours before election day and urged political parties to comply strictly with the timetable.
INEC added that the revised schedule complies with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2026, and has been published on its official platforms.
Osun Poll
The Commission also adjusted the date for the Osun State governorship election, moving it from August 8 to August 15, 2026.
It explained that although some activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already taken place, all remaining processes would follow the new Electoral Act.
Haruna stressed that credible elections require cooperation from all stakeholders and called for peaceful and inclusive participation.
The revision comes 13 days after INEC first announced election dates on February 13, 2026. The earlier dates drew criticism because they coincided with Ramadan.
The new timetable was announced eight days after President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Act 2026 into law following its passage by the National Assembly.
The updated schedule marks one of the first major administrative steps under the new electoral framework, as political parties and voters begin preparations for the 2027 elections.
