By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a major revision of the timetable for the 2027 General Election, bringing forward the dates for both presidential and governorship polls following the enactment of the new Electoral Act, 2026.

The electoral body disclosed that the Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The elections were previously slated for February 20 and March 6, 2027, respectively, under the repealed Electoral Act, 2022.

INEC said the adjustments became necessary after the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the signing into law of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced new statutory timelines for pre-election and electoral activities.

According to the Commission, the revised schedule ensures full compliance with the updated legal framework while aligning with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Key Dates to Watch

Under the newly approved timetable:
Party primaries, including resolution of disputes, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.

Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026.
Governorship and State Assembly campaigns will begin on September 9, 2026.
In line with the law, all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day.

INEC warned political parties to strictly adhere to the timelines, stressing that the Commission will enforce compliance.
Osun Governorship Election Rescheduled
In a related development, INEC announced the rescheduling of the Osun State Governorship Election from Saturday, August 8, 2026, to Saturday, August 15, 2026.

The Commission noted that while some preparatory activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections have already been completed, remaining processes will now be conducted strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2026.

INEC emphasized that the success of the 2027 elections depends on collective responsibility and urged political parties, stakeholders, and citizens to work together to ensure peaceful, credible, and inclusive polls.

The announcement was signed by Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, on February 26, 2026.
The revised timetable has been published on the Commission’s official website and communication platforms.