The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced a major change to the timetable for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. According to a statement issued on Wednesday, the commission moved the Presidential and National Assembly elections to Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will now take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The announcement was made by Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee. He explained that the adjustment was necessary following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the passage of the new Electoral Act, 2026.
“Following the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026, which introduced adjustments to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities, the Commission has reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework,” the statement read.
Previously, INEC had set February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections and March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections. The revision now moves all federal-level elections to January and most state-level elections to February.
INEC also released details of important pre-election activities in the revised schedule. Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries, including the resolution of any disputes arising from them, between April 23, 2026, and May 30, 2026.
Campaign periods have also been clearly defined. Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026. INEC reminded all political parties that campaigns must end 24 hours before election day.
“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,” the statement said.
The commission also stated that the revised timetable has been published on its official website and other communication platforms to ensure full public awareness.
In addition to the national schedule, INEC announced a slight adjustment to the Osun State governorship election. The poll, originally scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026, has been shifted to Saturday, August 15, 2026. This adjustment ensures that the remaining electoral processes in Osun, as well as those in Ekiti State, comply fully with the new Electoral Act, 2026.
While some election activities for Ekiti and Osun had already taken place, INEC stressed that all remaining processes will align strictly with the 2026 law.
The shift in the election calendar is significant for several reasons. First, it aligns all major election activities with the new legal framework, which includes updated timelines for pre-election, campaign, and voting activities. Second, it gives political parties and electoral stakeholders time to prepare adequately for the polls.
The Electoral Act, 2026, replaced the previous Electoral Act, 2022, which had governed the country’s last elections. Among other provisions, the new law adjusts the timelines for primaries, campaigns, and election day activities, prompting INEC to review and adjust its calendar accordingly.
This adjustment also emphasizes the need for a peaceful and credible electoral process. INEC reminded stakeholders that the success of the elections depends on collective responsibility.
“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility,” the commission said. It urged political parties, civil society groups, security agencies, and Nigerians at large to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the people.
Nigeria has a long history of general elections being postponed or adjusted, often due to legal challenges, administrative delays, or security concerns. For instance, in the 2019 general elections, the presidential poll was postponed by one week due to logistical challenges in distributing voting materials. Such adjustments often generate debates and concerns among political parties and the electorate.
By announcing the revised timetable early, INEC hopes to prevent last-minute surprises and provide sufficient time for preparations at all levels. Experts say that adherence to the electoral law is critical to avoid disputes and ensure the credibility of the elections.
With the new timetable, political parties are expected to plan their primaries carefully to meet the April–May 2026 deadlines. Campaign strategists will also need to adjust their schedules to the new start and end dates. Observers note that early planning is essential for a smooth election process, especially in a country with over 200 million citizens and thousands of polling units across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The adjustment of the Osun State governorship election, in particular, highlights the importance of flexibility in electoral planning. While such minor changes are normal, INEC’s clarity on the new dates ensures that voters, candidates, and election officials are not caught off guard.
INEC’s announcement underscores the importance of following the legal framework in conducting elections. The commission has committed to enforcing campaign rules, ensuring that political parties adhere to the timelines, and maintaining transparency in the electoral process.
For Nigerians, the revised schedule offers an early glimpse of the electoral calendar and allows citizens to plan their participation, whether as voters, observers, or election officials. It also signals the beginning of preparations for what is expected to be a closely watched election cycle, both domestically and internationally.
