By Ayo Ayodele
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved and issued a revised timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Election, shifting the dates for the presidential and National Assembly polls as well as the governorship and state assembly elections.
In a press statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, on February 26, 2026, the Commission said the adjustment followed the repeal of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC had earlier scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly Elections for Saturday, February 20, 2027, and the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections for Saturday, March 6, 2027. However, under the revised timetable, the Presidential and National Assembly Elections will now hold on Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections have been moved to Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The Commission explained that the changes were necessary to align the electoral calendar with the new statutory timelines introduced by the Electoral Act, 2026, which adjusted pre-election and other electoral activities.
According to the new schedule, party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will commence on April 23, 2026, and conclude on May 30, 2026.
Campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections are set to begin on August 19, 2026, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly campaigns will start on September 9, 2026. INEC reminded political parties that campaigns must end 24 hours before Election Day, warning that the Commission would strictly enforce compliance with the law.
The revised timetable has been published on the Commission’s official website and other communication platforms.
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 some activities relating to the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already been conducted, but remaining processes would now strictly comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC stated that the revised dates are consistent with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.
The Commission called on all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections that reflect the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.