The Independent National Electoral Commission has moved the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections to Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls will now take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The decision was contained in a press statement issued on Thursday by the Independent National Electoral Commission and signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
The electoral body 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, under the Electoral Act, 2022. The latest adjustment follows the repeal of the 2022 law and the coming into force of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced changes to statutory timelines for pre-election and electoral activities.
The Commission said it had reviewed and realigned its programme to comply with the new legal framework.
Under the updated timetable, party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from primaries, will begin on April 23, 2026, and end on May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026, while those for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly contests will start on September 9, 2026.
“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 read.
INEC added 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 electoral body also announced a shift in the Osun State Governorship Election. The poll, earlier fixed for Saturday, August 8, 2026, will now be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
It noted that some activities relating to the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, adding that “the remaining activities will now be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.”
INEC stated that the revised dates align with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.
“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility.
“The Commission calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.”
