The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable for the 2027 General Election following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.
In a statement issued on February 26, 2026, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the adjustment became necessary to align with new statutory timelines introduced in the Electoral Act, 2026.
According to the revised schedule, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now be held on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027. The Commission had earlier fixed February 20, 2027, and March 6, 2027, respectively, under the previous law.
Haruna disclosed that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026. Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Assembly campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026. Campaigns are to end 24 hours before Election Day, in line with the law.
INEC also rescheduled the Osun State Governorship Election from August 8, 2026, to August 15, 2026. The Commission noted that while some activities related to the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, all remaining processes would strictly comply with the Electoral Act, 2026.
The Commission emphasized that the revised timetable is consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and urged stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections.
