INEC Revises 2027 General Election Timetable, Shifts Presidential Poll to January 16

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PR/ Ahmed Makarfi 

The Independent National Electoral Commission has approved and released a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election, following adjustments to the nation’s electoral legal framework.

The decision, according to a statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, became necessary after the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, which introduced changes to statutory timelines governing pre-election and electoral activities.

INEC had earlier scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly Elections for Saturday, 20th February 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections for Saturday, 6th March 2027. However, under the revised timetable, Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, 16th January 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will take place on Saturday, 6th February 2027.

As part of key milestones in the new schedule, conduct of party primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from them, will commence on 23rd April 2026 and end on 30th May 2026. Campaigns for Presidential and National Assembly Elections will begin on 19th August 2026, while campaigns for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections will start on 9th September 2026.

The Commission reminded political parties that campaigns must end 24 hours before election day, in line with the law, and urged strict compliance with the approved timelines, warning that it will enforce adherence to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

INEC also announced the rescheduling of the Osun State Governorship Election from Saturday, 8th August 2026, to Saturday, 15th August 2026. The Commission noted that while some activities concerning the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, the remaining processes would strictly comply with the Electoral Act 2026.

Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna emphasized that the revised dates are consistent with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.

The Commission called on political parties, candidates, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and the electorate to cooperate fully to ensure that the forthcoming elections reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.