The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election, announcing new dates for presidential, National Assembly, governorship and state assembly polls following changes in the country’s electoral law.
In a press statement released on February 26, 2026, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the review became necessary after the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC had earlier fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections pursuant to the Electoral Act, 2022.
However, Haruna explained that the new Electoral Act, 2026 introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities, compelling the Commission to realign its schedule to ensure compliance with the new legal framework.
“The Commission has approved and issued a Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election,” he stated.
According to the revised schedule, Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
Haruna outlined key milestones in the updated timetable. “Conduct of Party Primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from primaries, will commence on 23rd April 2026 and end on 30th May 2026,” he said.
He added that “Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on 19th August 2026,” while “Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will commence on 9th September 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,” Haruna warned.
The INEC spokesman disclosed that the revised timetable reflecting the adjustments has been published on the Commission’s official website and other communication platforms.
In a related development, INEC also rescheduled the Osun State Governorship Election earlier fixed for Saturday, August 8, 2026, to Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The Commission noted that some activities relating to the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted but assured that the remaining processes would be implemented strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.
Haruna emphasised that the revised dates are consistent with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.
“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility,” he stated.
“The Commission calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.”
