INEC releases revised 2027 election timetable, moves Presidential election to January 16, 2027, adjusts governorship polls and reschedules Osun election to August 15, 2026 under Electoral Act 2026.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised INEC 2027 Election Timetable, shifting the dates for the Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections in compliance with the newly enacted Electoral Act, 2026.
In a press statement signed by Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission announced that the Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, instead of the earlier scheduled February 20, 2027. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections have been moved to Saturday, February 6, 2027, from the previously fixed March 6, 2027.
The Commission explained that the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced changes to statutory timelines guiding pre-election activities. INEC stated that it reviewed and realigned its schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework.
According to the revised timetable, conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, 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 campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will begin on September 9, 2026. As stipulated by law, all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day.
INEC urged political parties to strictly adhere to the approved timelines, warning that it will enforce compliance in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026. The Commission added that the full revised timetable and schedule of activities are available on its official website and communication platforms.
In a related development, the Osun State Governorship Election earlier scheduled for August 8, 2026 has been rescheduled to August 15, 2026. The Commission noted that while some activities concerning the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been conducted, the remaining processes will proceed strictly under the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC emphasized that the revised dates align with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026, reiterating that the successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility. The Commission called on political parties, candidates, civil society groups and the electorate to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of Nigerians.
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