The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, moving the dates for presidential and governorship polls to align with the new Electoral Act 2026.
In a statement released on Thursday by National Commissioner Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission explained that the shift was necessary due to the repeal of the 2022 Act and the introduction of new legal timelines.
Haruna noted, “The Commission had earlier fixed Saturday, 20th February 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly Elections and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections.”
However, following the new legislation, he stated that the commission “reviewed and realigned the Schedule to ensure full compliance with the new legal framework.”
Under the updated schedule, the presidential and National Assembly elections are now set for Saturday, January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly polls will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027.
Key milestones include party primaries running from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
Presidential campaigns will kick off on August 19, 2026, followed by governorship campaigns on September 9, 2026.
Haruna emphasized strict adherence to these dates, warning, “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.”
He added that the success of the process is a “collective responsibility,” calling on stakeholders to ensure elections “reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.”
The adjustment comes just 13 days after the initial dates were announced and follows public concerns that the previous schedule coincided with Ramadan.
The changes also follow President Bola Tinubu’s recent signing of the Electoral Act 2026 into law.
Additionally, INEC announced a slight shift for the Osun State governorship election, which will now move from August 8 to August 15, 2026.
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