The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, shifting the dates for the presidential and governorship polls in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.
According to the timetable released on February 26, 2026, presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.
INEC stated that campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and state assembly elections will begin on September 9, 2026. Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections will end on January 14, 2027, while those for governorship and state House of Assembly elections will close on February 4, 2027, exactly 24 hours before the respective polls.
The Commission also noted that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026. The notice of election will be issued on February 13, 2026.
INEC said the adjustments followed the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which introduced new statutory timelines for conducting elections. The Commission warned political parties to strictly adhere to the timelines and said it would enforce compliance with the law.
